Vocal rehabilitation using the Provox (TM) prosthesis

From 1992 to 1998, 105 patients of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, H ead and Neck Surgery in Berne underwent laryngectomy with primary implantat ion of a Provox(TM) prosthesis. These patients were followed up in an open prospective study and evaluated by the HRS scale, based on speaking ability and quality as well as on prosthesis care. 46 patients (44%) attained succ essful rehabilitation of the voice, defined as 12-15 points according to th e HRS scale. Age, tumour stage and postoperative irradiation did not influe nce the results. Compared to the patient group with less than 12 HRS points , frequent replacements or short in situ lifetime of the prosthesis improve the results of rehabilitation. Patient compliance is an important factor i n achieving success with the Provox(TM) prosthesis.