Factors Affecting the Device Life of Voice Prosthesis in Laryngectomized Patients

Voice restoration with a voice prosthesis has recently become popular among laryngectomized patients due to good voice quality and functional outcomes. An important limitation, however, is the need to periodically replace these devices. Factors affecting prosthesis lifespan differ between countries and regions. We assessed determinants of replacement frequency in Japan.

This retrospective, observational study included 45 patients who opted to receive a voice prosthesis after total laryngectomy. Twenty-one patients were excluded, and thus 24 were analyzed. We defined 3 types of factors affecting voice prosthesis replacement: tracheal site factors, esophageal site factors, and types of prostheses. The association of each factor with device lifespan was examined using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Twenty-four patients consented to this study and were surveyed about device lifespan. Twenty-one male patients and three female patients underwent voice prosthesis insertion for secondary voice restoration after total laryngectomy. The mean duration before replacement was 85 ± 36 (range 14-434) days. Total follow-up duration and tracheal dryness were both significantly associated with device lifespan.

Learning to properly manage the VP over time and preventing tracheal dryness are required to prolong voice prosthesis lifespan in Japan.