The Influence of Radiotherapy on the Lifetime of Silicone Rubber Voice Prostheses in Laryngectomized Patients

Abstract

This study identified an association between radiation on the primary tumor site with a dose equal to or more than 60 Gray and limited lifetimes of voice prostheses.

Evaluation of voice prosthesis placement at the time of primary tracheoesophageal puncture with total laryngectomy

“…The introduction and utilization of primary tracheoesophageal puncture at the time of laryngectomy was similarly found to be safe and effective with the advantage of avoiding a secondary procedure 8, 10. Although radiation therapy administered after primary puncture can shorten the life of a particular prosthesis and affect speech during the periradiation therapy period, primary puncture was also shown to be effective in this clinical scenario 16, 17. The technique of primary puncture, as described in the original and subsequent publications was a reduplication of the technique of secondary placement in which a catheter is placed in the tract to allow adequate stabilization and maturation until which time a prosthesis can be placed.…”

Long‐Term Results of Provox ActiValve, Solving the Problem of Frequent Candida‐ and “Underpressure”‐Related Voice Prosthesis Replacements

“…Biofilm formation with Candida deposits on the esophageal surface of the prosthesis is the main cause of this valve malfunction 10 . It is noteworthy that there is a significant correlation between radiotherapy and device lifetime in this respect 1,11 . This is probably caused by the fact that radiation‐induced xerostomia leads to a decrease of antibacterial and antifungal salivary peptides, which increases the chance of biofilm formation 12 .…”

“…10 It is noteworthy that there is a significant correlation between radiotherapy and device lifetime in this respect. 1,11 This is probably caused by the fact that radiation-induced xerostomia leads to a decrease of antibacterial and antifungal salivary peptides, which increases the chance of biofilm formation. 12 In some patients, leakage through the prosthesis can also occur when the valve opens inadvertently or closes insufficiently because of underpressure in the esophagus due to a negative intrathoracic and intraesophageal pressure during deep inhalation or swallowing.…”

Postlaryngectomy prosthetic voice rehabilitation outcomes in a consecutive cohort of 232 patients over a 13‐year period

“…4,7 These studies have, however, been conducted in a time where primary TL was the gold standard in advanced larynx and hypopharynx cancer treatment. [9][10][11] In 2000, Op de Coul et al 4 published the long-term results of voice rehabilitation with the first Provox VPs in the Netherlands Cancer Institute. 8 This has, however, also led to an increase in salvage TLs after failed (C)RT, which have been associated with more TE wall (TEP tract)-related problems and possibly a lower device lifetime of VPs.…”

“…8 This has, however, also led to an increase in salvage TLs after failed (C)RT, which have been associated with more TE wall (TEP tract)-related problems and possibly a lower device lifetime of VPs. [9][10][11] In 2000, Op de Coul et al 4 published the long-term results of voice rehabilitation with the first Provox VPs in the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Since then, several new generations of VPs have been developed, aimed at improving patient comfort, by, for example, improving airflow characteristics and replacement tools (Provox Vega), and at reducing biofilm overgrowth or inadvertent opening of the valve during swallowing or breathing (Provox ActiValve).…”