Factors Affecting the Lifetime of Third-Generation Voice Prosthesis After Total Laryngectomy.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of different variables on the longevity of Voice Prosthesis (VP) in patients after total laryngectomy.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study is based on data about a continuous series of 328 third-generation VP, which were implanted between 2016 and 2020. Data about the VP users' age, sex, place of residence, laryngeal tumor stage, neck irradiation, VP size, and the use of Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) were obtained and analyzed. The effect of these variables on VP lifetime was determined.

RESULTS

The median lifetime of VPs in patients 65 years old and above was 182 days (95% CI 168-196), versus 146 days (95% CI 130-162) (P = 0.033) in patients younger than 65. Neck irradiation was associated with a longer VP median lifetime of 161 days (95% CI 142-180) compared to 126 days (95% CI 100-152) with no prior neck irradiation (P = 0.046). HME usage was associated with significantly increased longevity of VPs: 182 days (95% CI 156-208) with HME and 149 days (95% CI 132-166) without HME usage (P = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that neck irradiation, and routine use of use of HME are positively associated with the longevity of VPs.