The Benefits of Silicone Laryngectomy Tubes at the Time of Laryngectomy-A Case Series Spanning 17 Years.

Objectives: Although total laryngectomy (TL) is a well-established surgical procedure with clear functional or oncologic indications, the peri- and postoperative care for those undergoing TL is variable, particularly regarding postlaryngectomy tracheostoma management. This study examined TL outcomes from a single institution with the immediate perioperative use of soft silicone laryngectomy tubes. More specifically, we explored potential complications associated with immediate perioperative use of a flexible laryngectomy tube (LaryTube and StomaSoft) and the use of heat and moisture exchange (HME) devices in association with peri- and postoperative care.

Perceptions and practices of people with a total laryngectomy during COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods analysis.

Purpose: People with a total laryngectomy (PTL) confront safety threats related to altered airway anatomy and risk of adverse events is amplified during healthcare crises, as exemplified by COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these challenges, how they are navigated by PTL, and what resources can be deployed to alleviate risk can improve interprofessional care by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), otolaryngologists, and other professionals.

Materials And Methods: An online survey was disseminated to PTL in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, querying participants about safety concerns and sources of information accessed to address care.

Adoption and Utilization of Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) in the Tracheostomy Patient.

Objective: Management of tracheostomized patients typically involves a conventional external humidification system (CEHS). CEHS are noisy, negatively impact patient mobility, and increases costs. Additionally, they prevent phonation and the ability to cough.

Usage of Heat and Moisture Exchange Devices, Virtual Visits, Masking, and Vaccinations Among People With a Laryngectomy During COVID-19.

Purpose: This study described the COVID-19 risk mitigation actions of people with a total laryngectomy (TL) during the pandemic.

Method: An online survey was completed by 215 people with a TL who lived in the United States. The survey was open from December 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022.

Clinical Experiences of People With a Laryngectomy During the SARS COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose This study described the clinical experiences of patients with a total laryngectomy (TL) during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified changes in communication, tracheostoma care, and heat-moisture exchange (HME) use that were recommended or self-implemented. Method An online survey addressing the study aims was completed by 173 people with a TL who live in the United States. The survey was open from July 5 to August 10, 2020.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Speech-Language Pathologists Engaged in Clinical Practices With Elevated Coronavirus Transmission Risk.

Purpose This study assessed and described potential clinical practice changes secondary to COVID-19 that emerged as an early response to the pandemic for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) engaged in voice, alaryngeal, and swallowing activities that may increase the risk of virus transmission. Method SLPs from the United States and Canada ( = 665) who were engaged in clinical activities that might elevate the risk of COVID-19 exposure completed an online survey regarding their clinical practices. Topics assessed included potential clinical service modifications, COVID-19 testing and health, and potential financial impacts in the early time period of the pandemic.

Managing head and neck cancer patients with tracheostomy or laryngectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head and neck cancer patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies, as well as their healthcare providers, face unique challenges in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This document consolidates best available evidence to date and presents recommendations to minimize the risks of aerosolization and SARS-CoV-2 exposures in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The cornerstones of these recommendations include the use of closed-circuit ventilation whenever possible, cuffed tracheostomy tubes, judicious use of heat moisture exchange units, appropriate personal protective equipment for providers and patients, meticulous hand hygiene, and minimal manipulation of tracheostomy tubes.

Autologous fibroblasts for vocal scars and age-related atrophy: A randomized clinical trial.

Objectives/hypothesis: To assess the safety and efficacy of autologous cultured fibroblasts (ACFs) to treat dysphonia related to vocal fold scar and age-related vocal atrophy (ARVA).

Study Design: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-institutional, phase II trial.

Methods: ACFs were expanded from punch biopsies of the postauricular skin in each subject; randomization was 2:1 (treatment vs.

Endoscopic Management of Postradiation Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To systematically review the success rate and safety profile of the available endoscopic surgical options for radiation-induced dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients following organ preservation treatment, including upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dilation, cricopharyngeus (CP) myotomy (CPM), and CP intramuscular botulinum toxin (Botox) injection.

Methods: A search of MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases was done to identify articles published between January 1980 and December 2017. Pediatric series, foreign language articles, series with Zenker's diverticulum or following primary surgical treatment including laryngectomy, open UES/CP surgery, or samples with fewer than 5 patients were excluded.

Tracheoesophageal fistula length decreases over time.

The objectives of this study were to demonstrate that the length of the tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis changes over time and to determine whether the prosthesis length over time increased, decreased, or showed no predictable change in size. A retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary care referral center. Patients who underwent either primary or secondary tracheoesophageal puncture between January 2006 and August 2014 were evaluated.

Nontracheoesphageal speech rehabilitation.

Numerous noninvasive methods exist for successful voice rehabilitation following total laryngectomy. In addition to surgical voice restoration, practitioners caring for laryngectomee patients should understand the esophageal speech methods and the available electronic devices, so informed decisions can be made on individualized needs and abilities.