Pharyngoesophageal Segment (pharyngoesophageal + segment)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Assessment of alaryngeal speech using a sound-producing voice prosthesis in relation to sex and pharyngoesophageal segment tonicity

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2006
M. van der Torn MD
Abstract Background. A pneumatic artificial sound source incorporated in a regular tracheoesophageal shunt valve may improve alaryngeal voice quality. Methods. In 20 laryngectomees categorized for sex and pharyngoesophageal segment tonicity, a prototype sound-producing voice prosthesis (SPVP) is evaluated for a brief period and compared with their regular tracheoesophageal shunt speech. Results. Perceptual voice evaluation by an expert listener and acoustical analysis demonstrate a uniform rise of vocal pitch when using the SPVP. Female laryngectomees with an atonic pharyngoesophageal segment gain vocal strength with the SPVP. Exerted tracheal pressure and airflow rate are equivalent to those required for regular tracheoesophageal shunt valves. However, communicative suitability and speech intelligibility deteriorate by the SPVP for most patients. Tracheal phlegm clogging the SPVP is a hindrance for most patients. Conclusions. The SPVP raises vocal pitch. Female laryngectomees with an atonic or severely hypotonic pharyngoesophageal segment can benefit from a stronger voice with the SPVP. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck28: 400,412, 2006 [source]


Videofiberoptic examination of the pharyngoesophageal segment and esophagus in patients after total laryngectomy

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2003
Pen-Yuan Chu MD
Abstract Background. Posttreatment follow-up in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is critical because of the high risk of recurrence or a new primary tumor. However, in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy, evaluation of the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) and esophagus is difficult. Methods. Sixty patients who had undergone total laryngectomy received a videofiberoptic examination of the PES and esophagus at the OPD office during follow-up. Results. Satisfactory examination was achieved in 56 (93%) of the patients. Each procedure was completed within 15 minutes. Although only 11 (18%) of the patients were symptomatic at follow-up, 19 patients (34%) had significant findings, including one local recurrence and two secondary esophageal cancers. Patients were asymptomatic in all three cases. Conclusions. Videofiberoptic examination is a simple, effective, and relatively noninvasive method that can be performed in the OPD office to evaluate the PES and esophagus in patients after total laryngectomy. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 858,863, 2003 [source]


Comparison of pharyngoesophageal segment pressure in total laryngectomy patients with and without pharyngeal neurectomy

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2003
Ahmet Köyba, lu MD
Abstract Background. To compare pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) pressure values in total laryngectomy patients with and without pharyngeal neurectomy (PN) in the early postoperative period. Methods. Forty-five previously untreated laryngeal carcinoma patients were enrolled into this prospective randomized study. Twenty of them underwent total laryngectomy with PN, and 25 underwent total laryngectomy without PN. PES pressures were measured on the tenth postoperative day with a four-channel catheter. Results. Average PES pressures in patients with and without pharyngeal neurectomy were 12.82 ± 6.11 mmHg and 17.40 ± .72 mmHg respectively (p < .05). When compared with the critical point of 20 mmHg that is closely related to voice attainment in the group without pharyngeal neurectomy, 10 (40%) patients had pressure levels greater than 20 mmHg and in the other group only 1 (5%) patient had a pressure level greater than 20 mmHg. The difference between the groups with pressure levels greater than 20 mmHg was found to be statistically significant (p < .05). Conclusions. Pharyngeal neurectomy results in a statistically significant decrease of PES pressures in total laryngectomy patients. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 617,623, 2003 [source]


Can objective parameters derived from videofluoroscopic assessment of post-laryngectomy valved speech replace current subjective measures?

CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
An e-tool-based analysis
Objectives:, The primary purpose of this study was to assess the pharyngoesophageal segment in total laryngectomy patients using a videofluoroscopy e-tool. Study design:, Cross-sectional study. Setting:,, Head and Neck Oncology Unit, Tertiary Referral Centre. Patients:, Forty-two patients following total laryngectomy. Intervention:, Videofluoroscopy using an e-tool (JRuler). Main outcome measures:, Subjective and objective videofluoroscopy parameters correlated with the GRBAS scale and treatment variables. Results:, Of 32 men and 10 women, mean age 63.5 years (10.8) the majority (64.3%) had a reasonable voice (good = 11 and poor = 4 patients). Comparing subjective and objective parameters, significant correlations were only seen with a smaller minimal neoglottic distance at phonation with no regurgitation of barium at phonation (P = 0.05) and a type 1 shape of neoglottis at phonation (P = 0.02). There were also significant correlations between smaller maximum sub-neoglottic distance at phonation and type 1 shape of neoglottis (P = 0.02), smaller maximum sub-neoglottic distance at rest and absence of stasis of barium at phonation (P = 0.05) and the length of neoglottis at phonation and type 1 shape of neoglottis (P = 0.01). For perceptual evaluation, significant correlation was seen only between G1 voice and a smaller minimal neoglottic distance at phonation (P = 0.03) amongst the subjective and objective parameters. There were no correlations between visual parameters and the clinical parameters. Conclusions:, Our observations suggest that this interesting concept has limitations. While objective and quantifiable data can be obtained using videofluoroscopy in laryngectomees, only a few correlate with each other and with voice quality. [source]