Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to present complications encountered intra- and post of voice prosthesis practice.

METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2011, we retrospectively evaluated complications of voice prosthesis practice on 42 total laryngectomized and secondary tracheoesophageal punctured patients (40 males, 2 females; mean age 59.4±9.4 years; range 56 to 70 years) who were operated for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Ear-Nose-Throat Clinic (a total of 338 voice prostheses including 42 provox 1, 296 provox 2).

RESULTS: A total of 55 complications (16.3%) were encountered in 26 (61.9%) of 42 patients. These were 18 times (5.3%) leakage around or inside prosthesis, 14 times (4.1%) granulation tissue occurring, six times (1.8%) prosthesis displacement due to its embedded position within the fistula, six times (1.8%) tracheostomal stenosis, five times (1.5%) fistulae enlargement, two times (0.6%) fungal colonization, one times (0.3%) mucosal abscess, one times (0.3%) subcutaneous emphysema on neck and face, one times (0.3%) esophageal aspiration and one times (0.3%) tracheobronchial aspiration. Complication rate on prosthesis placement procedures was calculated as 16.3%. Thirty-six patients (85.7%) of a total of 42 patients achieved effective speech.

CONCLUSION: Various complications are encountered in voice prosthesis practice. Some of them are also life-threatening. Preventing early deformation of voice prosthesis and surgical experience are of utmost importance in reducing voice prosthesis practice-related complications.