Custom modification of the Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve housing.

A technique is presented for modifying the Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve housing to improve peristomal skin adherence for hands-free tracheoesophageal speech production following total laryngectomy. The finished product is thin, flexible, and maintains enhanced tear strength. The edges of a standard housing device for the Blom-Singer valve are trimmed to allow for better accommodation to the tissue surface without distortion. A punch biopsy instrument is used to cut uniform holes around the housing device to allow for permeation of the silicone mixture for better mechanical adherence of the materials. Copyright 2003 by The American College of Prosthodontists.