EXPERIENCES WITH THE GRONINGEN VOICE PROS THESIS AFTER LARYNGECTOMY

The tracheoesophageal puncture technique with insertion of a valved pr osthesis for speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy is a relia ble and simple procedure for successful vocal rehabilitation. The avai lable voice prosthesis can be separated into indwelling and non-indwel ling types. The details of the indwelling long-term prostheses (low-pr essure Groningen Prosthesis, Nijdam, prosthesis, Provox prosthesis) ar e discussed. These prostheses need limited patient care. Replacement o f the indwelling prosthesis is a simple out-patient procedure, althoug h it is best performed by an ENT-specialist. The local complication ra te is low and generally not significant. Hand-free speech is now possi ble by placement of a tracheostoma valve. Current experiences are enco uraging for continued use.