[Troubleshooting with difficult replacement of voice prostheses and a novel retrograde procedure]

The implantation of a voice prosthesis has become a standard procedure during a laryngectomy. A voice prostheses enables patients to develop speech shortly after surgery, which strongly improves rehabilitation and quality of life.The lifetime of a voice prosthesis is limited and highly variable due to different causes. A replacement is usually necessary several times a year and can easily been done in an outpatient setting with surface anesthesia. In some cases, replacing the prosthesis becomes difficult. This article will take a closer look at different reasons that can lead to difficulties in prostheses replacement and discuss possible solutions, thereby focusing especially on a retrograde technique. The aim of this article is to help colleagues that already have experience with voice prostheses and want to expand their therapeutic armamentarium.