Background: In the present study, we assess the feasibility and success outcomes of voice prosthesis (VP) changes when performed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
Methods: Patients treated with total laryngectomy (TL) from January 2020 to December 2020 were prospectively recruited from our medical center. Patients benefited from tracheoesophageal puncture. The VP changes were performed by the senior SLP and the following data were collected for each VP change: date of placement; change or removal; VP type and size; reason for change or removal; and use of a washer for periprosthetic leakage. A patient-reported outcome questionnaire including six items was proposed to patients at each VP change. Items were assessed with a 10-point Likert-scale.
Results: Fifty-two VP changes were performed by the senior SLP during the study period. The mean duration of the SLP consultation, including patient history, examination and VP change procedure, was 20 min (range: 15-30). The median prosthesis lifetime was 88 days. The main reasons for VP changes were transprosthetic (n = 34; 79%) and periprosthetic (n = 7; 21%) leakages. SLP successfully performed all VP changes. He did not change one VP, but used a periprosthetic silastic to stop the periprosthetic leakages. In two cases, SLP needed the surgeon's examination to discuss the following indication: implant mucosa inclusion and autologous fat injection. The patient satisfaction was high according to the speed and the quality of care by the SLP.
Conclusions: The delegation of VP change from the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon to the speech-language pathologist (SLP) may be achieved without significant complications. The delegation of VP change procedure to SLP may be interesting in some rural regions with otolaryngologist shortages.
Keywords: cancer; head neck surgery; otolaryngology; speech language therapists; total laryngectomy; voice; voice prosthesis.