Summary of panel discussion on timing for tracheoesophageal puncture following laryngectomy

✍ Scribed by Goldsmith, Manning M.

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 1988
• Weight: 79 KB
• Volume: 10
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0148-6403
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.2890100814

✦ Synopsis

Cantrell that a patient needs to experience the options for alaryngeal speech postoperatively before choosing among available alternatives. The majority of the audience seemed to be opposed to primary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP).

Nevertheless, Drs. Perry, Blom, and Singer believe that primary TEP actually prepared the pharynx for esophageal speech and that because TEP is relatively reversible, it would not exclude other methods of alaryngeal speech. In addition, Dr. Schuller reinforced the point that primary TEP does not restrict other options and that it is possible to bring about an early inception of esophageal speech with this method within 2-4 weeks after surgery. The positive psychologic effect on a patient was documented with a video tape. Dr. Wolf, nevertheless, pointed out that frequently it is necessary to keep nasogastric or esophageal tubes