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The Difficult Secondary Tracheoesophageal Puncture: A Technique for Safe Insertion. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 2019;81(1):10-15

Date

11/30/2018

Pubmed ID

30485859

DOI

10.1159/000492968

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85057625115 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The tracheoesophageal prothesis (TEP) has become the primary modality for laryngeal communication after total laryngectomy due to high success rates, minimal morbidity, and more natural pulmonary driven speech. Fibrosis, kyphosis, and post-radiation contracture may preclude TEP placement through rigid esophagoscopy, and certain patients may not tolerate an in-office awake procedure. For such patients, a technique for flexible esophageal stenting and TEP placement is necessary.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 3 patients who underwent TEP placement through endotracheal-tube esophageal stenting at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

RESULTS: All 3 patients underwent laryngectomy after prior chemoradiotherapy for laryngeal cancer with resulting neck contracture and fibrosis preventing rigid esophagoscopy. All patients underwent successful TEP placement through endotracheal stenting without complication and developed excellent tracheoesophageal speech. Specific technical details are highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with anatomical constraints preventing traditional TEP placement through rigid esophagoscopy, fiberoptic guidance through an endotracheal tube stent provides a safe and efficient approach for TEP placement.

Author List

Abdul-Aziz D, Zenga J, Deschler DG

Author

Joseph Zenga MD Assistant Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Esophagoscopy
Esophagus
Female
Humans
Intubation, Intratracheal
Laryngeal Neoplasms
Laryngectomy
Larynx, Artificial
Male
Middle Aged
Prosthesis Implantation
Punctures
Retrospective Studies
Speech, Esophageal
Stents