Our Summary

This research paper is about two types of voice rehabilitation techniques used in patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy (removal of the voice box). The two methods are esophageal voice (EV) and tracheoesophageal voice (TEV) rehabilitation.

The researchers looked at 15 different articles published in the last 20 years and found 1085 patients who had undergone voice rehabilitation - 80.1% of these had been treated with a voice prosthesis (TEV), while 19.9% had used esophageal speech (EV).

The study found that patients who had been treated with the TEV method had a significantly better speech performance than those who had used the EV method. However, this did not necessarily mean that they had a higher quality of life in terms of their voice (VrQoL).

In simple terms, the study concludes that both TEV and EV are effective methods for voice rehabilitation after a total laryngectomy. TEV might help patients speak better, but doesn’t necessarily make them feel better about their voice.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between esophageal (EV) and tracheoesophageal (TEV) voice rehabilitation after laryngectomy?
  2. Based on the study, which voice rehabilitation method showed a better score, TEV or EV?
  3. Does a better speech performance after laryngectomy necessarily correlate with a high VrQoL?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laryngectomy is to consider both tracheoesophageal (TEV) and esophageal (EV) voice rehabilitation options. While TEV may result in better speech performance, it may not necessarily correlate with a higher voice-related quality of life (VrQoL). It’s important to discuss both options with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your individual needs and preferences.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone total laryngectomy are typically recommended for voice rehabilitation with either esophageal or tracheoesophageal voice. These procedures are effective in helping patients regain their ability to communicate verbally after losing their larynx. It is important for healthcare providers to assess the specific needs and preferences of each individual patient to determine the most appropriate type of voice rehabilitation for them.

Timeline

Before laryngectomy:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough
  • Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as imaging studies and biopsies to confirm diagnosis
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative consultations with surgeons, oncologists, and speech therapists to discuss treatment options
  • Patient may undergo laryngectomy surgery to remove the larynx and surrounding tissue

After laryngectomy:

  • Patient may undergo voice rehabilitation using either esophageal speech or tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis
  • Patient may experience difficulty adjusting to changes in speech and communication
  • Patient may undergo post-operative follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor healing and adjust voice rehabilitation techniques
  • Patient may experience improvements in speech and communication over time with continued practice and therapy

Overall, the process of laryngectomy and voice rehabilitation can be challenging, but with proper support and resources, patients can achieve improved quality of life and communication.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of a laryngectomy procedure?
  2. How long is the recovery process after a laryngectomy?
  3. What type of voice rehabilitation options are available after a laryngectomy, such as esophageal speech or tracheoesophageal voice?
  4. How do esophageal speech and tracheoesophageal voice differ in terms of effectiveness and success rates?
  5. What can I expect in terms of speech quality and communication abilities after undergoing voice rehabilitation following a laryngectomy?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or adjustments that I will need to make after a laryngectomy and voice rehabilitation?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with my healthcare provider after undergoing a laryngectomy and voice rehabilitation?
  8. Are there any support groups or resources available for individuals who have undergone a laryngectomy and voice rehabilitation?
  9. What are the long-term implications of a laryngectomy and voice rehabilitation in terms of overall quality of life?
  10. Are there any additional treatments or therapies that may be beneficial for me following a laryngectomy and voice rehabilitation?

Reference

Authors: Maniaci A, Lechien JR, Caruso S, Nocera F, Ferlito S, Iannella G, Grillo CM, Magliulo G, Pace A, Vicini C, La Mantia I. Journal: J Voice. 2024 Mar;38(2):539.e11-539.e19. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.09.040. Epub 2021 Nov 9. PMID: 34763996