A new one-stage surgical technique for postlaryngectomy speech

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Total laryngectomy necessitates alternative methods for vocal restoration.
• Existing surgical techniques for post-laryngectomy speech are limited.
• Restoring vocal function after total laryngectomy remains a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a new one-stage surgical technique for creating a tracheo-esophageal shunt.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this technique in restoring vocal function after total laryngectomy.
• To assess the safety and applicability of the described surgical method.

Main Methods:

• A novel one-stage surgical technique was developed.
• The technique involves constructing a tracheo-esophageal shunt using the tracheal remnant.
• The procedure was applied to 17 patients undergoing total laryngectomy.

Main Results:

• Fourteen out of 17 patients achieved conversational abilities comparable to normal speech.
• Vocal function was restored with an average onset of 25 days post-operation.
• No significant issues with saliva or fluid inflow into the trachea were reported.

Conclusions:

• The described one-stage surgical technique effectively restores vocal function after total laryngectomy.
• This method is applicable to most patients undergoing total laryngectomy, with or without neck dissection.
• The technique offers a viable solution for post-laryngectomy speech rehabilitation.