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Published on: April 28, 2014
Influence of Probiotic Administration on Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis's Function and Microbial Colonisation: A
Silvia Mercadante1, Gennaro Russo2, Massimo Gagliardi1
1Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy.
Summary
Probiotic supplementation alongside voice prosthesis (VP) management significantly reduced microbial contamination in laryngectomized patients. This intervention improved VP functionality and durability, offering a promising approach to enhance speech restoration outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Speech Rehabilitation
Background:
- Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (VP) aids speech restoration post-laryngectomy but is prone to microbial colonization, impacting performance.
- Understanding VP microbial profiles and exploring interventions to mitigate contamination are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize microbial colonization of voice prostheses in laryngectomized patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in reducing VP contamination and enhancing device function and longevity.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 34 laryngectomized patients comparing standard VP care with nystatin (Group 1) versus standard care plus monthly probiotic (VSL#3) supplementation (Group 2).
- Microbial cultures of removed VPs were analyzed, and patient questionnaires assessed VP functionality.
- Probiotic intervention involved 10 days of supplementation monthly throughout the observation period.
Main Results:
- While Group 1 showed no significant changes in VP microbial cultures, Group 2 demonstrated a significant reduction in multiple microbial species.
- Specifically, Group 2 experienced decreased prevalence of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, miscellaneous Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans.
- Patients in Group 2 reported significantly improved VP functionality compared to Group 1.
Conclusions:
- Probiotic supplementation positively impacts voice prosthesis microbial load and reduces contamination.
- The findings suggest probiotics enhance voice prosthesis functionality and durability, improving speech rehabilitation outcomes.
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