Vocal restorative surgery: why wait?

The case histories of 36 laryngectomees with vocal restorative surgery from the Department of Otolaryngology were reviewed to determine the patient's current mode of speech and number and type of complications to recovery and rehabilitation. The patients comprised two groups: 21 with tracheoesophageal fistula (tef) at the time of laryngectomy (primary) and 15 with tef subsequent to laryngectomy (secondary). Results of the review indicated that while approximately 10% fewer patients in the primary group were using a surgically restored voice, none of the surviving primary group remained aphonic. In contrast, 27% of the surviving secondary group failed to develop some form of verbal communication. When the complication rate is identified, vocal restorative surgery at the time of laryngectomy appeared to be very successful in initiating the rehabilitation process without compromising sound oncological procedures.