ABSTRACT
The tracheoesophageal puncture [TEP] technique and the application of its associated voice prostheses may give rise to adverse events. We present our experience with this technique with special attention to the incidence and management of these adverse events. Retrospective clinical analysis. 75 laryngectomized patients underwent TEP for voice restoration; they were included into two groups; Group 1, 43 patients with secondary TEP and Group II, 32 patients with primary TEP. Charts were reviewed regarding the incidence, management, and outcome of the adverse events encountered during their follow-up. Problems arose in the study patients, were itemized as either early or late problems. The same patient may develop one or more problems in either group. Management of the problems concerned the creation and maintenance of the TEP and the prostheses are presented. By an intensive and consequent multidisciplinary approach to problems, most of the inevitable adverse events can be solved adequately, minimizing the discomfort for the patient who has undergone laryngectomy and uses indwelling voice prosthesis