Postlaryngectomy speech rehabilitation by a simplified, single-stage surgical method

Experience is reported in a group of ten patients who underwent speech rehabilitation by the use of a pharyngocutaneous air tunnel constructed at the time of laryngectomy. An appliance is used to connect the tracheostomy with the fistula and the air routed into the pharynx allows for the production of sound for speech. This is a satisfactory method of voice restoration and has as the foremost advantage the fact that the patient can speak within a few weeks after laryngectomy. The problems and disadvantages of the method are described. The air tunnel method can be considered for selected patients with laryngectomy, whereas the reed-fistula method is recommended for those having pharyngolaryngectomy.