Voice restoration with voice prosthesis after total laryngectomy. Assessment of survival time of 378 Provox-1, Provox-2 and Blom-Singer voice prosthesis.

Indwelling voice prosthesis are used in Trier for voice restoration after t otal laryngectomy since 1991. Objective and Method: To assess the voice pro sthesis survival times the patients of the years 1993-1999 are assessed ret rospectively. Participants: 58 patients provided with indwelling voice pros thesis were seen regularly at follow-up. 378 prosthesis were changed. Provo x 1, Provox 2 and Blom-Singer-Prostheses were used. Results: The average su rvival lifetime of the prosthesis was 224 days for Provox-1, 96 days for Pr ovox-2 and 107 days for Blom-Singer respectively. There is no significant d ifference found between Provox-2 and Blom-Singer Prosthesis. The survival t imes of the Provox-1 Prosthesis is significant longer. Conclusion: Using in dwelling voice prosthesis for voice restoration after total laryngectomy an average survival time of the prosthesis of three monthscan be expected. Th ere are relevant individual differences. Provox-1 Prosthesis have a signifi cantly longer survival time, but as they are more difficult to handle they are not suitable for routine use. The indication for the choice between Blo m-Singer or Provox-2 Prosthesis should be influenced by the surgeons' exper ience.