Insertion of Provox^®2 voice prosthesis using the anterograde technique immediately after the secondary tracheoesophageal puncture

Abstract

Insertion of a voice prosthesis through the tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is one way to restore the voice after total laryngectomy. The second generation Provox^® voice prosthesis is presently one of the most popular devices. Although TEP can be done primarily, there are many centres that prefer it to be done at a second stage for various reasons. However, secondary TEP for retrograde replacement of prosthesis can be difficult and general anaesthesia is very often necessary. Moreover, the presence of neck stiffness and fibrosis from the surgery or previous radiotherapy could affect the neck extension for proper positioning of the trocar. Similarly, it is difficult to insert the prosthesis if there is stenosis at the pharyngoesophageal segment. We describe a technique in which creation of secondary TEP and insertion of Provox^®2 is done with local anaesthesia under the same setting. The procedure is well tolerated and can be safely performed on an out-patient basis.