Provox voice prosthesis - The Indian experience.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Prosthetic Devices

Background:

• Total laryngectomy necessitates voice rehabilitation for communication.
• Tracheo-oesophageal speech prostheses are a leading method for voice restoration.
• The Provox prosthesis is recognized for its design and in-dwelling features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Provox voice prosthesis for speech rehabilitation.
• To assess the success rate of voice restoration using this specific prosthesis in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 17 patients underwent speech rehabilitation using the Provox voice prosthesis.
• Data collected on speech outcomes, prosthesis usage, and complications.
• Study conducted at Apollo Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad, between February 1999 and July 2000.

Main Results:

• Successful speech rehabilitation was achieved in all 17 patients.
• 82% of patients achieved Good-Excellent speech quality.
• Two patients required prosthesis replacement; one discontinued use. No other complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• The Provox voice prosthesis is a highly effective and safe option for voice rehabilitation post-total laryngectomy.
• The prosthesis facilitates significant improvement in speech quality for the majority of patients.
• Low rates of complications and replacement indicate good patient tolerance and device reliability.