Laryngectomy is an operation to remove the larynx. Such surgical intervention is justified in the presence of oncological disease. However, after such an operation, a person receives a rather serious psychological injury. After all, as a result of the intervention, the patient loses normal communication with people. According to statistics, about half of those who suffer from laryngeal cancer die within a year and a half after diagnosis. And this is not due to the fact that the patient is not able to completely get rid of the disease, but because of the refusal of laryngectomy. Many simply forget that even after the complete removal of the larynx, there is a chance to restore voice functions. For this, a special device was created - a voice prosthesis.
Ways to restore voice function
At the moment, there are several ways to restore voice function after surgery. This is a speech therapy method, the use of a voice-forming device or a voice prosthesis. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Speech therapy is based on the development of such a skill as the esophageal voice. In another way it is called ventriloquism. AtThere are some problems with this method of restoring voice function. Not every patient is able to properly swallow air into the esophagus. In addition, such speech is often too quiet, unintelligible and intermittent.
Electrolarynx
Electrolarynx is a voice-forming device. This is a special device that is usually applied to the chin. It is able to convert the vibrations of the muscles located in the floor of the mouth into sounds. The main drawback of such a device is the "metal" voice. The speech of the patient in this case is devoid of emotionality. To use such a device, training is needed. Only after that does the speech become loud and intelligible enough.
What is a voice prosthesis
There is another unique device today - a voice prosthesis. This device is installed by surgical intervention. Voice restoration occurs thanks to special implantable prostheses. Provox devices are often used, which are manufactured by the Swedish company Atos. However, voice prostheses have disadvantages. After about a year, the devices need to be changed. This is the main disadvantage. After all, operations must be carried out annually, and it is unlikely that anyone will like it. The main advantage of this device is the natural voice.
Features of using a voice prosthesis
Installation of a voice prosthesis has no contraindications. However, the use of such a device should be carried out in compliance with not only the recommendationsprofessionals, but also in accordance with the instructions. There are a number of warnings to learn and remember:
- During operation, the voice prosthesis, reviews of which are mostly positive, must be cleaned. To do this, you should individually select plugs, tubes, brushes.
- The diameter of the prosthesis should be selected individually for each patient. This is the main requirement. An incorrectly selected and installed device is the main cause of edema after a voice prosthesis, or rather, after its use. In this case, the tissues are squeezed, which contributes to swelling.
- Before you install a voice prosthesis, you need to find out the likelihood of bleeding.
- During the operation of the implant, you should monitor the flow. If such a problem occurs, then you should consult a doctor. In this case, the voice prosthesis is being replaced.
Swelling due to voice prosthesis
In some cases, after the installation of a voice prosthesis, unpleasant phenomena such as swelling may occur. This happens for several reasons. First of all, there may be a physiological complication. It manifests itself in the form of an inflammatory process in the area of the shunt. The patient develops edema, which occurs during the operation of tracheoesophageal bypass, pharyngospasm, hypotension, hypertonicity, and also as a result of fluid flowing through the prosthesis. But that's not all.
Another common reasonthe development of edema when using a voice prosthesis is an incorrectly selected device. If the implant does not match the parameters of the patient, tissue compression may eventually occur. This eventually leads to puffiness.
Provox voice prosthesis
Recently, Provox devices have become popular - voice prostheses that are installed in patients unable to speak after surgery on the larynx. Devices are usually installed between the esophagus and trachestoma. This allows the patient to reproduce speech, as well as protect the trachea from getting into it pieces of food and pollution. Of course, these prostheses need to be replaced.
Provox voice prostheses are made of silicone, to which fluoroplast is added. These devices are available in different sizes. However, the device should be selected individually.
Provox voice prostheses reviews
As patients' reviews show, the service life of voice prostheses of this brand can be extended if they are cleaned in time. This requires special brushes that allow you to remove mucus, liquid and other contaminants. It is necessary to carry out the procedure twice a day. Patients claim that such measures help protect the device from the formation of fungus. It should be noted that some bacteria are resistant to antibiotic therapy. Their activity leads to the destruction of the silicone structure of the prosthesis. As a result, it is requiredhis replacement.
The reviews also note the main advantage of such devices - the human voice. People claim that when using Provox products, speech remains legible and loud enough. Talking with a prosthesis is very easy and simple. However, as patients note, the appearance of voice even with the use of this prosthesis is not autonomous. In any case, hands are required.
However, many people do not like the need to replace the voice prosthesis frequently (about once a year). This procedure is carried out by surgical intervention, which is not entirely pleasant. In addition, after the installation of this voice prosthesis, it will be impossible to refuse it. After all, a hole made in the region of the larynx does not overgrow. Another nuisance is the cost of replacing such prostheses. The operation is paid and expensive.
