Speech and swallow following Staffieri voice restoration procedure

The Loyola University and Hines Veterans Administration Surgical Service completed the Staffieri procedure to construct a pharyngoesophageal flap at the time of total laryngectomy in 12 patients. Following surgery, 11 patients produced speech that was highly intelligible. Ultimately, seven continued to rely on this method of speech as their primary means of communication. Voice quality was judged to be rough, strained, wet, and breathy in a majority of patients. Aspiration of liquids was evident in 11 of 12. Four underwent revisions to reduce the size of the fistula and to correct swallowing problems.