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Failed voice restoration: closure of the tracheo‐oesophageal fistula
Author(s) -
Judd O.,
Bridger M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
clinical otolaryngology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.914
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1749-4486
pISSN - 1749-4478
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-4486.2008.01689.x
Subject(s) - medicine , fistula , voice prosthesis , surgery , closing (real estate) , closure (psychology) , prosthesis , laryngectomy , larynx , political science , economics , law , market economy
Keypoints• Tracheo‐oesophageal fistula and voice prosthesis have revolutionised voice rehabilitation, but are not without their complications. • The most significant problem is widening of the tracheo‐oesophageal fistula relative to the voice prosthesis and subsequent leaking. • Three‐layer surgical closure is a means of permanently closing a problematic fistula. • Use of an interposition in situ muscle graft as a second layer provides an adequate, well vascularised barrier to prevent fistula reformation. Our technique provides a safe, effective method of closing a problematic tracheo‐oesophageal fistula. • We report a five case series in which 100% of patients acquired satisfactory closure of their fistulae and resolution of their symptoms.