Tracheoesophageal prostheses in voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy

Loss of voice in patients after total laryngectomy is a significant issue that medicine has been grappling with since the 19th century. Scientific literature reports unequivocally confirm the substantial impact of total laryngectomy on patients' quality of life, which directly translates into their psychological well-being. The purpose of this study is to compile and organize the latest scientific findings on tracheoesophageal prostheses and subsequently integrate the description of this treatment modality with its rehabilitative aspects. In light of the growing number of patients using TEP, this paper also aims to reintroduce and clarify the topic for a broad range of ENT surgeons and other physicians who are increasingly likely to encounter TEP patients in clinical practice. The tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP), first described in 1972 by Professor Erwin Mozolewski and independently introduced into the English-language literature in 1980 by Blom and Singer, has become a key method for voice rehabilitation in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy and currently, used prostheses function based on a one-way air valve implanted in a surgically created tracheoesophageal fistula. This method is considered highly effective, as it is utilized in over 90% of cases. In addition to providing better voice quality compared to other techniques, the TEP prosthesis also positively impacts the overall quality of life of the patients who use it. Scientific studies highlight the analysis of quality of life and the effectiveness of voice rehabilitation as key endpoints in assessing the success of both surgical and rehabilitative treatment in laryngectomized patients. Over the years, various methods of voice rehabilitation have been developed in an effort to find the best approach that meets the needs of patients.