Voice prosthesis: installation, replacement, reviews. Causes of swelling after the vocal prosthesis

Laryngectomy is an operation to remove the larynx. Such a surgical intervention is justified in the presence of cancer. However, after such an operation, a person is seriously injured in psychological terms. After all, as a result of the intervention, the patient loses normal communication with people. As statistics show, about half of those who suffer from cancer of the larynx die within a year and a half after the diagnosis. And this is not due to the fact that the patient is not able to completely get rid of the disease, but because of the refusal of laryngectomy. Many simply forget that even after complete removal of the larynx there is a chance to restore voice functions. For this purpose, a special device was created - a voice prosthesis.

Ways to restore voice function

At the moment, there are several ways to restore the voice function after surgery. This is a speech therapy method, using a voice-forming device or a voice prosthesis. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The speech therapy is based on the development of such a skill as an esophageal voice. In another way, this is called ventriloquism. There are some problems with this method of restoring the voice function. Not every patient is able to properly swallow air into the esophagus. In addition, such speech is often too quiet, illegible and intermittent.

Elektrohartan

Electrogortan is a voice-forming device. This is a special device, which is usually applied to the chin. He is able to convert the vibrations of the muscles located in the region of the bottom of the mouth to sounds. The main drawback of such a device is a "metallic" voice. In this case, the patient's speech is devoid of emotionality. To use this device, you need training. Only after this speech becomes loud and sufficiently legible.

What is the voice prosthesis

There is one more unique device today - a voice prosthesis. This device is installed by surgical intervention. Recovery of the voice is due to a special implantable prosthesis. Often used devices Provox, which produces the Swedish company Atos. However, the vocal dentures are deficient. About a year later the device needs to be changed. This is the main disadvantage. After all, the operation should be conducted annually, and it is unlikely anyone will like it. The main advantage of this device is a natural voice.

Features of using a vocal prosthesis

The installation of a vocal prosthesis has no contraindications. However, the use of such a device should be carried out with observance of not only the recommendations of specialists, but also in accordance with the instructions. There are a number of warnings that need to be learned and remembered:

1. During the operation, the voice denture, which is mostly positive reviews, must be cleaned. To do this, you should individually choose plugs, tubes, brushes.
2. The diameter of the prosthesis should be selected individually for each patient. This is the basic requirement. An improperly selected and installed device is the main cause of edema after a vocal prosthesis, or rather, after its use. In this case, the tissue is transferred, which contributes to puffiness.
3. Before you install a voice prosthesis, you need to find out the likelihood of developing bleeding.
4. During the operation of the implant, follow the course. If this problem occurs, then it is worthwhile to see a doctor. In this case, the voice prosthesis is replaced.

The appearance of edema as a result of using a vocal prosthesis

In some cases, after the installation of the vocal prosthesis, such unpleasant phenomena as edema may occur. This happens for several reasons. First of all, a physiological complication may occur. It manifests itself in the form of an inflammatory process in the shunt area. The patient develops edema that occurs during the operation of tracheoesophageal shunting, pharyngospasm, hypotension, hypertonia, and as a result of the flow through the prosthesis of the fluid. But that's not all.

Another common cause of edema development when using a vocal prosthesis is an improperly chosen device. If the implant does not match the patient's parameters, then tissue transmission may occur as a result. Ultimately, this leads to the formation of puffiness.

Provox Voice Prosthesis

Recently, Provox devices have become popular - voice dentures, which are set for patients unable to talk after surgery on the larynx. Establish devices usually between the esophagus and trahhestoma. This allows the patient to reproduce the speech, as well as protect the trachea from getting into it pieces of food and contaminants. Of course, such prostheses require replacement.

Provox voice prostheses are made of silicone, in which fluoroplastic is added. Similar devices are available in different sizes. However, the device should be selected individually.

Reviews about voice prostheses Provox

As the reviews of patients show, the life of voice prostheses of this brand can be extended if they are cleaned in time. To do this, you need special brushes that can remove mucus, liquid and other contaminants. It is necessary to carry out the procedure twice a day. Patients argue that such measures can protect the device from the formation of fungus. It is worth noting that some bacteria are resistant to antibacterial therapy. Their activity leads to the destruction of the silicone structure of the prosthesis. As a result, its replacement is required.

The feedback also highlights the main advantages of such devices - a human voice. People claim that speech when using Provox products remains legible and loud enough. Talking with a prosthesis is very easy and simple. However, as the patients note, the appearance of the voice even with the use of this prosthesis is not autonomous. In any case, the participation of hands is required.

However, many do not like the need for frequent replacement of the vocal prosthesis (about once a year). This procedure is performed by surgery, which is not entirely pleasant. In addition, after installing this voice prosthesis, it will be impossible to abandon it. After all, the hole made in the larynx does not overgrow. Another trouble is the cost of replacing such prostheses. The operation is paid and costly.