Overview of results with tracheoesophageal puncture after total laryngectomy

Ten years have passed since the introduction of the tracheoesophageal puncture. The voice restoration field has dramatically changed upon the introduction of this new technique. This permits the patients to speak as early as ten days after surgery. An overview of the results of the past ten years are presented. In this communication the technique, historic highlights, and the published experience with tracheoesophageal puncture as a secondary, primary and in extended laryngopharyngectomy with flap reconstruction are discussed. Tracheoesophageal puncture with placement of voice prosthesis for voice restoration after total laryngectomy, has become an accepted technique. The popularity of this method originally proposed by Singer and Blom has been widespread. This new method of vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy, has permitted patients to speak as early as ten days after their surgery. This is a great advance in the rehabilitation of the cancer patient.