Current trends in laryngectomy rehabilitation: a survey of speech-language pathologists

This study determined the perceptions of experienced speech-language pathologists regarding current practices in the speech rehabilitation of laryngectomy patients since the introduction of the tracheoesophageal puncture-voice prosthesis technique in 1980. The sample population consisted of 151 experienced speech-language pathologists, or 43% of those who were sent questionnaires. The speech-language pathologists ranked tracheoesophageal puncture-voice prosthesis as their most preferred speech rehabilitation method and the electrolarynx as their least preferred, even though the electrolarynx continues to be the most frequently used method. Variable use of the tracheoesophageal puncture procedure by otolaryngologists was reported, with only a small portion perceived as using it routinely. About 65% of the speech-language pathologists reported that more than half of the laryngectomy patients were being given choices among speech rehabilitation methods. Nearly 50% of the speech-language pathologists reported that fewer than six speech therapy sessions were necessary with tracheoesophageal puncture patients, whereas more than 20% reported the need for 10 sessions or more. Use of manual closure of the tracheostoma by tracheoesophageal puncture patients far outweighed their use of automatic speaking valves. Most speech-language pathologists reported that they were involved in teams with otolaryngologists to determine patient suitability for tracheoesophageal puncture and to troubleshoot problems. Eighteen different categories of medical and speech production problems were reported.