Primary tracheoesophageal shunt operation for postlaryngectomy speech with sphincter mechanism

This paper describes a primary voice restoration technique designed to eliminate the problem of aspiration commonly encountered in rehabilitation procedures following laryngectomy. This technique, utilized in 16 patients, consists of a unique combination of tracheal flap for voice production and bilateral esophageal constrictor muscle flaps to prevent aspiration. Fourteen patients developed satisfactory tracheoesophageal speech; of them 12 had normal deglutition without problems of aspiration. On radiographic examination, the bilateral esophageal muscle flaps, in combination with the dilatation and elevation of the cervical esophagus, provide a sphincter mechanism that prevents tracheal reflux during deglutition.