Voice restoration with voice prosthesis after total laryngectomy. Assessment of survival time of 378 Provox-1, Provox-2 and Blom-Singer voice prosthesis]

Voice Restoration with Voice Prosthesis after Total Laryngectomy. Assessment of Survival Time of 378 Provox-1, Provox-2 and Blom-Singer Voice Prosthesis. BACKGROUND: Indwelling voice prosthesis are used in Trier for voice restoration after total laryngectomy since 1991. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: To assess the voice prosthesis survival times the patients of the years 1993-1999 are assessed retrospectively. PARTICIPANTS: 58 patients provided with indwelling voice prosthesis were seen regularly at follow-up. 378 prosthesis were changed. Provox 1, Provox 2 and Blom-Singer-Prostheses were used. RESULTS: The average survival lifetime of the prosthesis was 224 days for Provox-1, 96 days for Provox-2 and 107 days for Blom-Singer respectively. There is no significant difference found between Provox-2 and Blom-Singer Prosthesis. The survival times of the Provox-1 Prosthesis is significant longer. CONCLUSION: Using indwelling voice prosthesis for voice restoration after total laryngectomy an average survival time of the prosthesis of three months can be expected. There are relevant individual differences. Provox-1 Prosthesis have a significantly longer survival time, but as they are more difficult to handle they are not suitable for routine use. The indication for the choice between Blom-Singer or Provox-2 Prosthesis should be influenced by the surgeons' experience.