The Amatsu tracheoesophageal shunt operation for voice restoration after total laryngectomy.

Vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy using tracheoesophageal shunt with sphincter mechanism or Amatsu's operation was performed in 12 patients at the department of Otolaryngology, Chiang Mai University from January 1993 to December 1998. Serviceable voice was attained within 10-14 days postoperatively. The success rate of voice restoration was 75 per cent with a good maximum phonatory time of 8 seconds. Tracheal aspiration which was found in 4 patients was managed conservatively without complication. The Amatsu tracheoesophageal shunt is a single stage operation which provides the patients with a good success rate of voice restoration, few complications, easy learning, and prosthesis free.