Postlaryngectomy vocal rehabilitation in Albania

Purpose: To assess short and midterm results with consistent use of indwelling voice prostheses (Provox 1 and Provox 2 valves) for vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Methods: From May 2008 to June 2010 106 patients (104 men, 2 women, median age 62.32 years) with total laryngectomy underwent vocal prosthesis insertion and replacement procedures as needed. Patients were prosthesized primarily or secondarily and follow-up was performed monthly. Results: Median patient-device follow-up was 279 days (range 184-995). Leakage through the prosthesis, mainly caused by Candida deposits on the valve, was the most common cause of failure of the Provox valves. Conclusion: Compared to other European countries, like the Netherlands (100 days) and France (150 days) Albania has the longest device half life. This relatively long prosthesis 'lifetime in our country is perhaps related with the use of spicy food (a common custom in our country), and the use of antifungal and antiacid agents.