A Single Voice Prosthesis Utilized For 17 Years.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Prosthetic Devices

Background:

• Total laryngectomy significantly impacts patient quality of life, necessitating voice restoration methods.
• Tracheoesophageal puncture with voice prosthesis (VP) is a common and successful voice restoration technique.
• Current voice prosthesis technology has an average functional duration of 3-6 months.

Observation:

• A 72-year-old male, post-total laryngectomy, presented with swallowing difficulties and VP leakage.
• This patient had utilized a single voice prosthesis for an unprecedented 17 years without reported complications.
• Nutritional habits were identified as a potential contributing factor to the prolonged VP functionality.

Findings:

• The case report details a unique instance of extended voice prosthesis longevity (17 years).
• The patient's nutritional habits may have played a role in preventing complications and ensuring prosthesis durability.
• Despite this exceptional case, standard voice prosthesis renewal timelines are generally recommended.

Implications:

• This case challenges the conventional understanding of voice prosthesis lifespan.
• Further research into the impact of diet and lifestyle on voice prosthesis function is warranted.
• Clinicians should consider individual patient factors while reinforcing adherence to recommended voice prosthesis maintenance schedules.