Delayed diagnosis of tracheoesophageal prosthesis aspiration.

In 1980, Singer and Blom published the results of their study on use of the tracheoesophageal puncture prosthesis for restoration of voice after total laryngectomy. Since then, the placement of tracheoesophageal puncture prostheses has been an integral part of rehabilitation after laryngectomy. Complications of this procedure have been recognized and are usually minimal. Inadvertent aspiration of the prosthesis is rare. Usually, patients seek help immediately after the incident. We report a case of unnoticed aspiration of a Blom-Singer prosthesis in a patient with a laryngectomy.