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Fiberoptic Examination of the Pharyngoesophageal Segment in Tracheoesophageal Speakers
Charles K. Oh, MD;
Robert J. Meleca, MD;
Mark L. Simpson, PhD;
James P. Dworkin, PhD
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002;128:692-697.
Objective To describe a novel use of flexible fiberoptic endoscopy to examine
the pharyngoesophageal segment, upper esophagus, and distal end of the tracheoesophageal
prosthesis in patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy and a tracheoesophageal
puncture.
Methods Five patients with poor-quality or no tracheoesophageal voice were evaluated
by a speech pathologist and an otolaryngologist. A flexible endoscope interfaced
with a video monitoring device was introduced transnasally and passed through
the pharyngoesophageal segment. Examination of the anatomical relationship
between the prosthesis and the esophageal mucosa was conducted while the subjects
attempted to phonate. Treatments were then initiated based on the endoscopic
findings.
Conclusion Flexible endoscopy is a safe, cost-effective, diagnostic tool for evaluating
laryngectomees suffering from poor-quality tracheoesophageal voice.
From the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery,
Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich.
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Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002;128(6):726-728.
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