Expiratory Muscle Strength Training in patients After Total Laryngectomy; A Feasibility Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is a threshold based device-driven treatment for improving expiratory pressure. EMST proved to be effective in different patient groups to improve cough function. To date, EMST has not been tested in the total laryngectomy population (TL). METHODS: This prospective, randomized case-series study examined feasibility, safety, and compliance of EMST in a group of TL participants and its effects on pulmonary function, physical exertion, fatigue, and vocal functioning. Ten TL participants were included in the study to perform a 4 till 8 weeks of EMST. Objective and subjective outcome measures included manometry, spirometry, cardio pulmonary exercise testing (CPET), voice recordings, and patient reported outcome measures. Group means were reported and estimates of the effect are shown with a 95% confidence interval, using single sample t-tests. RESULTS: Nine participants completed the full study protocol. Compliance to the training program was high. All were able to perform the training, although it requires adjustments of the device and skills of the participants. Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and vocal functioning in loudness improved over time. After EMST no changes were seen in other objective and subjective outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: EMST appears to be feasible and safe after total laryngectomy. MEP improved over time but no improvement in the clinically relevant outcome measures were seen in this sample of relatively fit participants. Further investigation of the training in a larger group of participants who report specifically pulmonary complaints is recommended to investigate if the increase in MEP results in clinical benefits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Percusión, ritmo y movimiento: facilitadores del proceso de rehabilitación del paciente laringectomizado / Percussion, rhythm and movement: Facilitators of the laringectomized patient rehabilitation process

Introducción: la voz humana en sus variadas manifestaciones, como el habla, el canto y otras producciones sonoras, es una forma de canalizar y expresar nuestras emociones, ideas, pensamientos y de vincularnos con los demás. El paciente laringectomizado total se ve privado de su voz natural. En su proceso de rehabilitación deberá aprender habilidades de comunicación funcional que le permitan desarrollar una buena calidad de vida. Material y método: 4 talleres con frecuencia trimestral, en el transcurso de un año. Participaron 21 pacientes laringectomizados, con edad promedio de 62 años. Actividades propuestas: Ejercicios de relajación activa y alineación postural, automasajes cervicofaciales y ejercitación de respiración costo-diafragmática. Percusión corporal e instrumental con variaciones rítmicas asociadas al movimiento. Ejercicios de asociación de cualidades sonoras vinculadas a la producción oral y cantada. En cada taller se administró un cuestionario escrito. Resultados: Mediante la ejercitación respiratoria se logró un mejor dominio del soplo aéreo pulmonar evitando sonidos silbantes durante la espiración. Las actividades rítmicas favorecieron el reconocimiento, la reproducción y la sincronización de movimientos corporales. Las actividades de percusión asociadas a la emisión de la palabra permitieron que el patrón rítmico acompañe a la producción de las mismas. El 100% de los pacientes manifestaron disfrute por la actividad propuesta. Entre los beneficios obtenidos mencionaron: mejoramiento del humor, sensación de bienestar corporal, mejoras en la comunicación. Conclusiones: La implementación de técnicas de relajación, alineación postural y respiración junto a actividades asociadas al ritmo y al movimiento contribuyen notoriamente a la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.

Introduction: the human voice in its varied manifestations, such as speech, singing and other sound productions are a way of channeling and expressing our emotions, ideas, thoughts and to bond with others. The total laryngectomized patient is deprived of his natural voice. In your rehabilitation process you must learn functional communication skills that allow you to develop a good quality of life. Material and method: 4 workshops with quarterly frequency, in the course of one year. 21 laryngectomized patients participated, with a mean age of 62 years. Proposed activities: Exercises of active relaxation and postural alignment, cervicofacial self-masagges and cost-diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Body and instrumental percussion with rhythmic variations associated with movement. Association exercises of sound qualities linked to the production of syllables, words, phrases, rhymes and popular songs. In each workshop, a written questionnaire was administered to respond anonymously. Results: By means of the respiratory exercises, a better control of the aerial lung breath was obtained avoiding hissing sounds during the expiration. The rhythmic activities favored the recognition, reproduction and synchronization of body movements. The percussion activities associated with the emission of the word allowed the rhythmic pattern to accompany the production of the same. 100% of patients expressed their enjoyment of the proposed activity. Among the benefits obtained mentioned: improvement of the mood, sensation of corporal well-being, improvements in the communication. Conclusions: the implementation of relaxation techniques, postural alignment and breathing along with activities associated with rhythm and movement contribute to the quality of life of these patients.

Tratamiento combinado de técnicas convencionales y digitopuntura en pacientes laringectomizados / Combined treatment of conventional techniques and acupressure in laryngectomized patients

Fundamento: Las técnicas de la medicina tradicional, específicamente la digitopuntura, conjuntamente con las técnicas establecidas, es muy usada en los países desarrollados para la rehabilitación de los pacientes laringectomizados.Objetivo: describir la efectividad de la combinación entre las técnicas convencionales y éstas con el uso de digitopuntura en pacientes laringectomizados, atendidos en la consulta de logopedia y foniatría perteneciente al Hospital General Docente Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, en un periodo comprendido de enero 2013 a diciembre de 2014.Métodos: se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental en una muestra de 24 pacientes que acudieron de forma voluntaria o remitidos, previa laringectomía, para su rehabilitación vocal, en el periodo y lugar antes mencionados. La muestra se dividió en dos grupos de 12 cada uno. El primero tratado por el método convencional y el segundo con una combinación del método tradicional y digitopuntura.Resultados: en el grupo de pacientes que recibieron el tratamiento convencional se logró rehabilitar el 50 por ciento de estos. En el grupo donde se combinaron las técnicas convencionales con la digitopuntura se logró la rehabilitación del 91,6 por ciento. No se evidenciaron efectos adversos.Conclusiones: al unir la técnica convencional con la digitopuntura disminuyó el tiempo para la rehabilitación de los pacientes y aumentó el número de pacientes rehabilitados (AU)

Background: the use of traditional medicine techniques, specifically acupressure, along with established techniques, is widely used in developed countries for the rehabilitation of the laryngectomized patients.Objective: to describe the effectiveness of the combination of conventional techniques and those using acupressure in laryngectomized patients seen at the department of speech and phoniatrics of Ernesto Guevara Hospital from January, 2013 to December, 2014.Methods: a quasi-experimental study was carried out on a sample of 24 patients who had undergone laryngectomy and presented voluntarily or were referred for voice rehabilitation in the period and place herein mentioned. The sample was divided into two groups of 12 each. The first group was treated by the conventional method and the second group was treated with a combination of the traditional method and acupressure.Results: in the group of patients that received a conventional treatment a 50 percent achieved rehabilitation. In the group where conventional techniques were combined with acupressure, rehabilitation of a 91,6 percent was achieved. No adverse effects were manifested.Conclusions: the unit of the conventional technique with acupressure reduced the time for the rehabilitation of patients and increased the number of patients rehabilitated (AU)

Sport in the Rehabilitation of Patients After Total Laryngectomy.

AIM: Laryngectomy due to cancer leads to decreased physical activity of patients. Rehabilitation programs focus on the improvement of voice and swallowing but the role of rehabilitation sports for such patients is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We interviewed all 38 patients (five women, 33 men; median age 56 years) of our patient's advocacy group. All had undergone laryngectomy because of cancer. We asked them to report their sporting activities and summarized their descriptions. RESULTS: Overall, 12 patients were members of our swimming group and had performed aqua gymnastics and swimming training in order to stabilize or improve the muscle structures of the neck and backbone. A further four patients only took part in swimming training. The training frequency was twice per month; when patients were introduced to the program, they increased this frequency to 4-5/month. Three patients started cycling with mountain bikes covering distances of between 30 and 50 km. A further two patients were able to follow our cycling program using e-bikes. Twenty patients reported walking weekly between 10 and 16 km. All patients summarized the positive impact of sports on their personal well-being. CONCLUSION: Swimming, aqua-fitness, cycling and (Nordic) walking are favourable sport disciplines for patients after laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Special training programs should be developed and included in rehabilitation procedures for patients after multimodal therapy of laryngeal cancer.

Novel esophageal speech therapy method in total laryngectomized patients: biofeedback by intraesophageal impedance.

The loss of the best communication port after total laryngectomy surgery makes speech rehabilitation an important goal. Our aim was to improve the quality of esophageal speech (ES) using online esophageal multichannel intra-luminal impedance (MII) as a new biofeedback method. Twenty-six total laryngectomized patients were included. Before ES therapy, an esophageal motility test was carried out. MII catheters were placed in all subjects who were then randomized into two groups. Group 1 included 13 cases, who were retrained according to the classical method. Group 2 included 13 cases, who were retrained according to the simplified animation of air movements within the esophagus and upper stomach resulting from the modifications of intra-esophageal air kinetics gained by MII. The level of speech proficiency was evaluated relative to pretraining levels using perceptual scales in the third and sixth months. Acoustic voice was analyzed. The number of syllables read per minute and the intelligibility of monosyllabic and dissyllabic words were calculated. In this study, MII was used for the first time in alaryngeal speech rehabilitation as a biofeedback method; an overall sufficient speech level was achieved by 68.4% at the end of therapy, whereas attendance was 90%. A statistically significant improvement was found in both groups in terms of ES level compared with the pretraining period although there was no significant difference between groups. Although we did not observe the expected difference between groups suggested by our hypothesis, MII may be used as an objective tool to show patients how to swallow and regurgitate air during training, and may thus expedite ES therapy both for the speech therapist and the patient in the future.

Comparative ex vivo study on humidifying function of three speaking valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger for tracheotomised patients.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of humidifying function of tracheotomy speaking valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger. DESIGN: Ex vivo measurement of water exchange and storage capacity of three tracheotomy speaking valves: Humidiphon Plus, Spiro and ProTrach DualCare (with two different heat and moisture exchangers: XtraMoist and Regular). SETTING: Comprehensive Cancer Centre. PARTICIPANT: Healthy volunteer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Difference between end-inspiratory and end-expiratory weight as measure for water exchange capacity, weight after 10 min breathing as measure for water storage capacity, weighing at 1-min intervals to assess residual water exchange potential in speaking mode and absolute humidity in mg/L as measure for environmental and respiratory humidity. RESULTS: None of the tracheotomy speaking valves provides humidification while in speaking mode. Only the ProTrach DualCare allows blocking the speaking valve and breathing through the heat and moisture exchanger during inhalation and exhalation (heat and moisture exchanger mode). This leads to an increase in inspiratory humidity of 2.5 mg (XtraMoist) and 1.6 mg (Regular). There was no measurable water storage in speaking mode in any of the three tracheotomy speaking valves. In breathing mode, water storage in the DualCare heat and moisture exchangers was 47 and 37 mg, respectively. The remaining humidifying potential in speaking mode after 10 min breathing in heat and moisture exchanger mode for XtraMoist was 38%, 15% and 10% at 1, 2 and 3 min, respectively. For Regular, this was 47%, 24% and 13%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheostoma valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger have no humidification function in speaking mode. Only ProTrach DualCare, allowing blocking the speaking mode, in heat and moisture exchanger mode enables a significant increase in humidification. Regular switching between speaking and heat and moisture exchanger mode with this latter device prolongs the humidification in speaking mode.

Effectiveness of olfactory rehabilitation according to a structured protocol with potential of regaining pre-operative levels in laryngectomy patients using nasal airflow-inducing manoeuvre.

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nasal Airflow-Inducing Manoeuvre (NAIM) when employing a structured protocol as well as investigate if early rehabilitation has the potential to return olfaction to pre-operative levels in patients undergoing laryngectomy following laryngeal cancer. Prospective study of cases conducted during 1 year, 2009­2010, at the Department of Ear-, Nose and Throat at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Ten patients with laryngeal cancer and about to undergo laryngectomy were identified, of which four were included in the study. The remaining six patients were unfit to participate (n = 4) or declined participation (n = 2). Testing was conducted pre- and post-operatively and at each NAIM training session. Patients received three initial NAIM sessions followed by reinforcement training at 3, 6 and 12 months. Measures included Scandinavian Odour-Identification Test (SOIT), a semi-structured interview and questionnaires including European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35. All patients were normosmic smellers according to SOIT at the study end-point. One patient reported higher SOIT scores at 12 months follow-up compared to pre-operatively. Remaining patients had scores close to that reported pre-operatively. Using subjective measures, olfaction improved in all patients with one patient's final score surpassing pre-operative scores. By implementing a structured protocol consisting of three training sessions early following laryngectomy with additional reinforcement sessions at 3, 6 and 12 months, NAIM is effective in terms of improving smelling ability. There also appears to be potential for restoring olfaction to a patient's pre-operative level as reflected by both olfactory testing and PRO instruments. However, larger studies are needed to further explore the findings highlighted by this study.

Prevention of voice prosthesis biofilms: current scenario and future trends in prolonging prosthesis lifetime.

Voice rehabilitation after a total laryngectomy is an important requisite for patients' rehabilitation. Oesophageal speech using tracheo-oesophageal-valved prostheses is now considered the state-of-art in postlaryngectomy voice rehabilitation. One of the major drawbacks of voice prostheses is their limited device lifetime. This is due to the deterioration of the silicone rubber material by different bacterial and yeast species, which are organised in the form of a biofilm resulting in internal leakage, increased airflow resistance, impeding speech, respiration and swallowing. The use of antimicrobials though easily applicable is associated with development of resistance if used on long-term basis. Other techniques in the form of modification of physicochemical properties of the silicon surface or covalent binding of antimicrobial agents to the silicon surface have been employed. This article reviews the different strategies investigated until now and the future trends in preventing biofilm formation for prolonging the lifetime of the silicon voice prostheses. Data was collected by conducting a computer aided search of the MED-LINE and PUBMED databases, supplemented by hand searches of key journals. Over 35 articles in the last two decades on the topic have been reviewed out of which 27 were found to be of relevant value for this article.

[Olfactory rehabilitation after total laryngectomy]. / Rehabilitación olfativa tras la laringectomía total.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the olfactory function in patients after total laryngectomy and evaluate the outcomes of the use of the induced nasal airflow manoeuvre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective clinical intervention study was carried out with 41 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy, of which 39 were male and 2 female. After verifying that there were no anatomical disorders, the patients were given an olfaction test that classified them into two groups, those with olfactory perception and those without. All underwent rehabilitation using the induced nasal airflow technique and, subsequently, the olfaction test was repeated to enable a comparison with the first results obtained. A semi-structured interview was held to evaluate the senses of taste and smell of the participants, also taking into account their own opinion. RESULTS: Out of the 41 patients included in the study, 9 had olfactory perception before rehabilitation, according to the first olfaction test. The use of the nasal airflow maneuver meant the recovery or improvement of the olfactory capacity in 90.24% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The induced nasal airflow technique enables an important recovery of olfaction and improvement of taste after total laryngectomy. This technique is easy to learn and to repeat. It does not require expensive materials. The recovery of olfaction and taste implies an improvement in quality of life for the patient, so this technique should be included in all protocols of comprehensive rehabilitation after total laryngectomy.

The voice handicap index with post-laryngectomy male voices.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer involves complete removal of the larynx ('laryngectomy') and initial total loss of voice. Post-laryngectomy rehabilitation involves implementation of different means of 'voicing' for these patients wherever possible. There is little information about laryngectomees' perception of their changed voice quality and communication status. Surgical voice restoration (SVR) has become the 'gold standard' rehabilitation, but there continue to be patients who use other methods of communication. There is no clear evidence comparing patients' perception of their voice handicap across different types of alaryngeal communication. AIMS: To compare the self-assessed vocal handicap of laryngectomees using SVR with those using non-SVR methods of post-laryngectomy communication. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Potential participants were identified from one Head and Neck cancer centre in South Wales. They included both male and female participants using all methods of post-laryngectomy communication. Each patient's Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score, sub-set scores, and group means were calculated. Two major confounding factors: age and time since surgery, and communication method (SVR/non-SVR), were considered to identify factors, other than method of communication, which may influence rehabilitation outcomes. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: A total of 71 questionnaires were sent out and 62 (82%) were returned from 35 patients who had undergone SVR and 27 patients who used non-SVR methods of communication. Of the non-SVR group, twelve used oesophageal voice, eleven an electrolarynx, two writing and two mouthing for communication. The gender ratio (53:9), age (43-90 years) and time since surgery (1-40 years) were broadly representative of this population, but because of the small number of females, we excluded the women from further analysis. Individual VHI scores ranged from 4 to 106. Both the SVR and non-SVR group mean scores: 44.7 and 50.9, were within the range of moderately severe voice handicap. There was no significant difference between the groups for total VHI scores or two of the three sub-domains, nor any significant effect on voice handicap due to the confounding factors assessed: age or time since surgery. The total VHI score was better by 6.5 ( - 4.9 to 17.9) points in the SVR group (p = 0.3), probably reflecting the literature reporting superior voice in SVR. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The data suggest that where patient-assessed quality of life is concerned, SVR and non-SVR outcomes are comparable. This is an important consideration when planning and carrying out treatment recommendations. The study has clear clinical implications; understanding the potential of all methods of post-laryngectomy communication is essential for holistic patient management.

Estimation of influence of myofascial release techniques on esophageal pressure in patients after total laryngectomy.

In patients after total laryngectomy, increased tension in myofascial neck and arm areas might be observed. Via fascial continuity it has an adverse impact on the superior esophageal constrictor forming the "mouth of the oesophagus", which hinders learning of esophageal speech. The aim is to assess the effect of manual myofascial release techniques on esophageal pressure in patients after total laryngectomy. Forty patients (12 F, 28 M), aged 43-75 (mean 56.8 years), 9 months to 13 years (average 3 years) after total laryngectomy, 35 patients (87.5%) after neck lymph node resection, 38 patients (95%) after radiotherapy. Esophageal pressure was assessed using modified Seeman's method. Manual myofascial release techniques were applied within head, neck, arms, upper trunk and upper limb areas. Wilcoxon and Shapiro-Wilk's test was used for the purpose of statistical analysis. Statistically significant decrease of the mean esophageal pressure was observed after the physiotherapy treatment. The average pressure among the examined patients decreased from 37.9 to 26.6 mmHg. The application of myofascial manual techniques decreases esophageal pressure, thus allowing patients to learn esophagus speech at a faster pace.

Transnasal oesophagoscopy-guided in-office secondary tracheoesophageal puncture.

OBJECTIVE: Tracheoesophageal puncture is recognised as an effective and reliable method for voice restoration following total laryngectomy. Several techniques have been described, ranging from rigid oesophagoscopy under general anaesthesia to more recent endoscopic techniques utilising intravenous sedation or local anaesthetic. We describe our technique for secondary tracheoesophageal puncture utilising unsedated transnasal oesophagoscopy in an office setting. METHOD: Retrospective review of all total laryngectomy patients undergoing in-office transnasal oesophagoscopy-assisted tracheoesophageal puncture between October 1 2004 and December 31 2006. RESULTS: Eleven patients undergoing transnasal oesophagoscopy-guided tracheoesophageal puncture were identified. Successful tracheoesophageal puncture placement was achieved in 10 of 11 patients (91 per cent). In one patient tracheoesophageal puncture could not be performed due to anatomic constraints. One patient had bleeding from the puncture site requiring silver nitrate cautery. All patients tolerated the procedure well. Voice results were satisfactory in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Transnasal oesophagoscopy-guided tracheoesophageal puncture provides a simple, safe option for secondary voice rehabilitation in laryngectomy patients.

[An influence of myofascial release techniques on the esophagus pressure for patients after total laryngectomy]. / Wplyw manualnych technik miesniowo-powieziowych na poziom cisnienia przelykowego u chorych po calkowitym usunieciu krtani.

UNLABELLED: The increase of patients after total laryngectomy myofascial neck and arms area tension might be observed. Via fascial continuity it has an adverse impact on superior oesophageal constrictor, forming the "mouth of oesophagus", which hinders learning oesophagus speech. THE AIM: The assessment of manual myofascial release techniques influence on the patients' oesophagus pressure after total laryngectomy. MATERIAL: 40 patients (12 F, 28 M), aged 43-75 (middle 56, 8 years), 9 months to 13 years (average 3 years) after total laryngectomy, 35 patients (87.5%) after neck lymph node's resection, 38 patients (95%) after radiotherapy. METHODS: The oesophagus pressure was checked by modified Seeman's method. Manual myofascial release techniques were applied within head, neck, arms, upper trunk and upper limbs area. Wilcoxon and Shapiro-Wilk's test was used for the purpose of statistical analysis. RESULTS: A statistical significant decrease of the mean of oesophagus pressure was observed after physiotherapy treatment. The average pressure among the examined group decreased from 37.9 to 26.6 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: The application of myofascial manual techniques decreased an oesophagus pressure which allows patients to obtain faster oesophagus speech.

Implementation of the Vienna Hydrotherapy Group for Laryngectomees--a pilot study.

GOALS: Laryngectomy involves several problems for the individual, such as the need to cope with a stoma, adjustment to tracheostomal breathing, and the formation of a voice. Contact with water, resulting in aspiration, may prove fatal for laryngectomized patients in the absence of appropriate aids. The aim of this pilot study was to conduct a hydrotherapy group for laryngectomized patients and to evaluate its feasibility and outcome in relation to the goals of therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six male patients who had undergone laryngectomy were included in a pilot study. The patients underwent a structured hydrotherapy rehabilitation program (three times a week for 8 weeks), using a special underwater therapy device. The patients' posture was controlled by posturography and their endurance capacity by standard ergometry and the 6-min walk. The parameters of fatigue, expectoration, mobility, elasticity/flexibility, postural control/coordination, and general well being were registered on a visual analog scale (VAS). Quality of life was assessed by having the patients fill out the German version of the SF-36 Health Survey. MAIN RESULTS: Posturograpy findings showed an improvement of two subtests ( p<0.028). Exercise testing showed an improved endurance capacity ( p<0.028). The patients were able to walk a greater distance in the 6-min walking test ( p<0.028). The VAS also showed an improvement of endurance capacity ( p<0.028), fatigue ( p<0.028), expectoration ( p<0.043), mobility of the neck and shoulder ( p<0.027), flexibility ( p<0.027), postural control and coordination ( p<0.028), and general well being ( p<0.028). On the SF-36 Health Survey, the patients were improved in the items "Physical functioning" ( p<0.027), "Vitality" ( p<0.027) "Role-physical" ( p<0.026), and "Social functioning" ( p<0.043). CONCLUSIONS: A hydrotherapy group for laryngectomized patients proved to be safe, feasible, and effective in this pilot study.

Secondary shunt procedure for alaryngeal patients in an outpatient clinic.

The shunt procedure used for laryngectomized patients undergoing secondary tracheo-esophageal (T-E) puncture is inconvenient and causes stress to the patient. In order to overcome these problems we developed a novel surgical T-E shunt technique using the Groningen voice prosthesis that does not require esophagoscopy or general anesthesia and can be performed in an outpatient clinic. In this procedure, a shunt is created using a pair of nasal forceps with the patient seated. An endoscope with biopsy forceps is used to insert the Groningen voice prosthesis. The procedure is usually completed within 20 min after inducing local anesthesia. Neither the technique itself nor the time taken to complete the procedure differed for T-E and tracheo-neoesophageal (reconstructed with flap) shunting. We believe that this procedure is suitable for patients who are afraid of esophagoscopy and/or are not considered suitable candidates for esophagoscopy and repeated general anesthesia. The procedure is also beneficial for both patients and surgeons with regard to its duration and the cost-effectiveness of treatment.

Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: To present a new technique for secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) in laryngectomized patients. The technique is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Laryngectomized patients waiting for secondary TEP procedures were given the choice between the new technique under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis and the traditional technique under general anesthesia requiring hospitalization. METHODS: Using basic implements available in an outpatient clinic, the traditional TEP technique was modified with the oral introduction of an intubation tube with an illuminated, inflatable cuff at the puncture site. The illuminated, inflated cuff serves as a beacon during the procedure and the tube protects the posterior tracheal wall. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent the procedure under local anesthesia. In 8 of them the procedure went smoothly, but in 1 of them the inflatable cuff could not be satisfactorily placed as a result of the local anatomy and the procedure was canceled. All patients were pleased with the technique and said the procedure was painless. CONCLUSIONS: With some modifications, the traditional TEP technique has been rendered suitable for selected outpatient use under local anesthesia, and the necessary hospitalization for secondary TEP can thus be avoided.

Tracheoesophageal puncture in the office setting with local anesthesia.

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) with voice prosthesis placement is currently the method of choice for vocal rehabilitation of patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. Occasionally, secondary TEP needs to be performed. We have used a TEP technique that is performed in the clinic setting with local anesthesia and no sedation. The purpose of this study was to review our technique and experience and to evaluate results, complications, and patients' acceptance of the procedure. We performed a retrospective chart review of the records of 14 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy and secondary TEP placement in the clinic setting. The procedure was well tolerated. The voice results were fair to good in 11 of 12 patients. There was 1 complication, a false passage between the trachea and the esophagus. Voicing was immediate in 12 of the 14 cases. We conclude that TEP can be performed in the office setting with local anesthesia. The voice results are excellent, and the procedure is well tolerated by the patient. Proper patient selection and regular follow-up by a speech-language pathologist are important.

Terapia através da dança com laringectomizados: relato de experiência / Therapy through dance with laringectomized patients: the description of an experience

O presente relato descreve o primeiro encontro do laringectomizado com a Dança no Grupo de Apoio a Pessoa - Ostomizada - Laringectomizados. Este estudo tem o objetivo de fornecer subsídios sobre a importância terapêutica e educativa da dança. A técnica utilizada foi uma dinâmica de grupo em roda com participação de vinte pacientes. A música e os movimentos corporais foram os recursos empregados para desenvolvermos a Terapia Através da Dança. Os resultados evidenciaram bom envolvimento dos pacientes na dinâmica através das linguagens verbal e não verbal e diminuição do estresse.

[Dance therapy in laryngectomy patients: our experience]. / Terapia através da dança com laringectomizados: relato de experiência.

This study describes the first contact of laringectomized people with dance in the Group of Support to Ostomized-Laringectomized Patients. This study aimed at searching for elements about the therapeutic and educative importance of dance to them. The technique utilized was group dynamics with the participation of twenty patients. Music and body movements were resources employed for the development of therapy through dance. Results showed a good involvement of the patients in the dynamics though verbal and non-verbal language as well as a decrease in stress.