Laryngectomy is an operation to remove the larynx. Such surgical intervention is justified in the presence of cancer. However, after such an operation, a person receives a fairly serious psychological trauma. Indeed, as a result of the intervention, the patient loses normal communication with people. According to statistics, about half of those who suffer from laryngeal cancer die within a year and a half after being diagnosed. And this is not due to the fact that the patient is not able to completely get rid of the disease, but because of the rejection of laryngectomy. Many simply forget that even after complete removal of the larynx, there is a chance to restore voice functions. For this, a special device was created - a voice prosthesis.
Ways to restore voice function
At the moment, there are several ways to restore voice function after surgery. This is a speech therapy method, using a voice-forming device or voice prosthesis. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages.
Speech therapy is based on the development of such a skill as the esophageal voice. This is also called ventriloquism. When applying this method of restoring the voice function, some problems arise. Not every patient is able to properly swallow air into the esophagus. Moreover, such speech is often too quiet, illegible and intermittent.
Electro-larynx
Electro-larynx is a voice-forming device. This is a special device that is usually applied to the chin. It is able to convert vibrations of muscles located in the bottom of the oral cavity into sounds. The main disadvantage of such a device is the "metallic" voice. The patient's speech in this case is devoid of emotionality. To use such a device, you need training. Only after that the speech becomes loud and quite legible.
What is a voice prosthesis
Today there is another unique device - a voice prosthesis. This device is installed by surgery. Voice restoration occurs thanks to special implantable dentures. Often used Provox devices, which are manufactured by the Swedish company Atos. However, voice prostheses have disadvantages. After about a year, the devices must be changed. This is the main minus. After all, operations must be carried out annually, and it is unlikely that anyone will like it. The main advantage of this device is a natural voice.
Features of using a voice prosthesis
Installation of a vocal prosthesis has no contraindications. However, the use of such a device should be carried out in compliance with not only the recommendations of specialists, but also in accordance with the instructions. There are a number of warnings that you need to study and remember:
- During operation, the voice prosthesis, reviews of which are mostly positive, needs to be cleaned. To do this, you should individually select plugs, tubes, brushes.
- The diameter of the prosthesis should be selected individually for each patient. This is a basic requirement. Improperly selected and installed device are the main causes of edema after a vocal prosthesis, or rather, after its use. In this case, tissue is squeezed, which contributes to swelling.
- Before installing a voice prosthesis, it is necessary to find out the likelihood of bleeding.
- During the operation of the implant, leakage should be monitored. If such a problem occurs, then you should consult a doctor. In this case, the replacement of the voice prosthesis is carried out.
The occurrence of edema as a result of using a voice prosthesis
In some cases, after installing a voice prosthesis, unpleasant phenomena such as swelling can occur. This happens for several reasons. First of all, a physiological complication may occur. It manifests itself in the form of an inflammatory process in the area of the shunt. The patient develops edema, which occurs during the operation of tracheoesophageal bypass surgery, pharyngospasm, hypotension, hypertonicity, as well as as a result of leakage through the prosthesis. But that is not all.
Another common reason for the development of edema when using a voice prosthesis is an incorrectly selected device. If the implant does not match the patient’s parameters, tissue overload may result. Ultimately, this leads to the formation of puffiness.
Voice prosthesis Provox
Recently, Provox devices have become popular - voice prostheses, which are installed for patients who are unable to speak after surgery on the larynx. They usually install devices between the esophagus and the tracheome. This allows the patient to reproduce speech, as well as protect the trachea from getting bits of food and contaminants into it. Of course, such prostheses require replacement.
Provox Voice Prostheses are made of silicone into which PTFE is added. Similar devices are available in different sizes. However, the device should be selected individually.
Provox Voice Denture Reviews
As patients' reviews show, the service life of voice prostheses of this brand can be extended if they are cleaned on time. To do this, special brushes are needed that allow you to remove mucus, liquid and other contaminants. The procedure must be performed twice a day. Patients claim that such measures protect the device from the formation of fungus. It is worth noting that some bacteria are resistant to antibiotic therapy. Their activity leads to the destruction of the silicone structure of the prosthesis. As a result, its replacement is required.
The reviews also note the main advantages of such devices - this is a human voice. People assure that speech when using Provox products remains legible and quite loud. Talking with the prosthesis is very easy and simple. However, as patients note, the appearance of a voice even with the use of this prosthesis is not autonomous. In any case, the participation of hands is required.
However, many do not like the need for frequent replacement of the voice prosthesis (about once a year). This procedure is carried out by surgical intervention, which is not entirely pleasant. In addition, after installing this voice prosthesis, it will be impossible to refuse it. After all, a hole made in the larynx does not heal. Another nuisance is the cost of replacing such prostheses. The operation is paid and expensive.