A NSQIP study comparing surgical outcomes between primary and non-primary TEPs after total laryngectomy

Tracheoesophageal puncture with voice prosthesis (TEP) is considered the gold standard for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy; however, there is debate as to whether it should be inserted concurrently with removal of the larynx (primary TEP), or as a separate, additional procedure at a later date (secondary TEP). We utilized the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (NSQIP) to compare postoperative complications, readmission rates, and reoperation rates among individuals who underwent total laryngectomy with or without concurrent TEP placement. We conducted a retrospective study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (ACS-NSQIP) from 2012 to 2019. Patients were categorized into primary and non-primary TEP groups using a variation of CPT codes for total laryngectomy, tracheoesophageal prosthesis, and type of reconstruction. Univariate analyses were performed and significance was determined at p