Open AccessAspiration of tracheoesophageal prosthesis in a laryngectomized patient
Author(s) -
Sergio C. Conte,
Elena De Nardi,
Federico Conte,
S Nardini
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
multidisciplinary respiratory medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.72
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 2049-6958
pISSN - 1828-695X
DOI - 10.4081/mrm.2012.612
Subject(s) - laryngectomy , voice prosthesis , medicine , tracheoesophageal fistula , prosthesis , surgery , bronchoscopy , rehabilitation , airway , stoma (medicine) , fistula , larynx , physical therapy
Background: The voice prosthesis inserted into a tracheoesophageal fistula has become the most widely used device for voice rehabilitation in patients with total laryngectomy. Case presentation: We describe a case of tracheoesophageal prosthesis’ (TEP) aspiration in a laryngectomized patient, with permanent tracheal stoma, that appeared during standard cleaning procedure, despite a programme of training for the safe management of patients with voice prosthesis. Conclusions: The definitive diagnosis and treatment were performed by flexible bronchoscopy, that may be considered the procedure of choice in these cases, also on the basis of the literature.