Pneumothorax as a complication of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis use

A previously unreported association of pneumothorax and the use of a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis is presented. A review of 44 cases revealed that two patients developed a pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement. Pulmonary barotrauma is believed to be the cause of the injury. In those patients in whom the tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis has been effective, it has produced excellent results. However, certain pulmonary conditions may be considered a relative contraindication to the use of the tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis in patients who must generate significant force to produce voice. Patients using a voice prosthesis who present with symptoms of chest pain or dyspnea must be evaluated carefully for pulmonary rupture.