Propose: The aim of the present article is to propose an alternative technique to the traditional secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy, describing the procedure step-by-step, analyzing the complications and long-term results.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent secondary TEP with the blind technique using a rigid hysterometer. The main steps in this technique are described and illustrated. Patient demographics and surgical outcomes were assessed.
Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study. In all but one case, risk factors that could hinder rigid esophagoscopy were identified (37.5% neopharyngeal/esophageal post-surgical issues, 81.3% prior radiotherapy, 21.9% cervical arthrosis, and 12.5% prior coloplasty or gastric transposition). No intra- or postoperative surgical complications were noted.
Conclusion: The blind technique offers an alternative method to perform a secondary TEP safely and efficiently in patients with unfavorable anatomical or clinical conditions, lowering the risk of procedure-related complications.
Keywords: Speech restoration; Total laryngectomy; Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture; Voice prosthesis.
© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.