[Ultrasound diagnosis of the phoniatric performance of laryngectomized patients]

Sonography of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment and pseudoglottis was performed in 10 laryngectomised patients with varying oesophageal voice development. the post-laryngectomal telephone comprehension test served as a yardstick for assessing the quality of the oesophageal voice. Sonographic B and M mode techniques in transverse section provided a good overall assessment of the function of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment. Likewise, a clear picture of the pseudoglottis can be obtained and rapid motoric effects in phonation easily seen. Each vocal demonstrates a typical sonographic pattern in the M-mode. There is a clear correlation between increasing quality of the oesophageal voice and differentiation of echo amplitude. Our experience to date recommends the use of sonography of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment and pseudoglottis in laryngectomised patients for the phoniatric assessment of oesophageal voice functioning.