Silicone voice prostheses, or valves, are inserted into the common tracheo-
oesophageal wall of patients after laryngectomy, to allow speech rehabilita
tion. Granulation tissue around these voice prostheses is often removed by
laser and the safety of these valves with lasers had not been confirmed. Th
e common valves were exposed to increasing energies from the carbon dioxide
, potassium-titanyl-phosphate and holmium YAG lasers, in air. The energies
used were those in common clinical use. The Provox valves proved especially
vulnerable to all laser energies. Other methods of removing granulation ti
ssue should be tried prior to lasering, or the valves should be removed, as
damage to them, or the patient's airway, can result.