Surgeons' reported attitudes and practices regarding alaryngeal speech

Attitudes and practices of 50 prominent laryngologic surgeons were surveyed to determine current trends and implications for postoperative speech rehabilitation. Data are available for 1,003 laryngectomy operations performed over the past 3-year period by the 22 responders (44%). Those surgeons responding indicated a preference toward tracheoesophageal shunt procedures. A negative correlation was noted between the increased number of tracheoesophageal shunt procedures and the age of the surgeon. Additional responses provided information regarding personal preferences for postlaryngectomy speech types, opinions regarding artificial device use, and speech rehabilitation referral practices.