Value of digital high-speed endoscopy in addition to videofluoroscopic imaging of the neoglottis in tracheoesophageal speech

Objective - To gain insight into the clinical value of using the relatively new evaluation tool digital high-speed endoscopy in addition to the widely used method of videofluoroscopy for imaging of the neoglottis in tracheoesophageal speech after total laryngectomy. Material and Methods - Anatomical and morphologic characteristics of the neoglottis in 37 laryngectomized patients using tracheoesophageal speech were studied by means of visual assessment of digital high-speed endoscopy recordings and visual assessment and quantitative measures of videofluoroscopy recordings, using previously published protocols. Results - Digital high-speed endoscopy provides information complementary to that of videofluoroscopy with respect to the location of the vibration, presence of a mucosal wave, regularity of the vibration and closure of the neoglottis. The information provided by digital high-speed endoscopy overlaps with that provided by videofluoroscopy with respect to the amount of saliva (regurgitation of barium in videofluoroscopy) and the visibility of the origin of the neoglottis (presence of a neoglottic bar in videofluoroscopy). Additionally, relationships were found between the visual assessments of the high-speed recordings and some patient characteristics. Conclusion - Digital high-speed endoscopy provides additional insight into neoglottic characteristics that cannot be studied with videofluoroscopy. The application of both imaging methods enhances the insight into tracheoesophageal voicing.