Minimally invasive approach for the management of the leaking tracheoesophageal puncture

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: An enlarging tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) site after total laryngectomy is associated with substantial functional, hygienic, and potentially life-threatening problems. The enlarged TEP is challenging to manage. TEP injection (TEP-I) for control of the enlarged puncture site may be beneficial in avoiding surgery. Our study reviewed the clinical outcomes of patients at a single institution with enlarged TEP treated by office-based TEP-I.

Study design: Retrospective study.

Methods: Chart review of eight patients who had an enlarged TEP with leakage around the prosthesis treated with TEP-I after attempted customization of voice prostheses. Patient demographics and treatments were reviewed, and injection efficacy was evaluated by the duration of leakage resolution.

Results: Eight patients underwent 20 TEP-I procedures. The average duration of leak resolution after each injection was 174.5 days. There were no complications. Six patients required custom modifications of the voice prosthesis to control TEP leakage after TEP-I, and all patients resumed their baseline speech and swallowing function. There was a trend toward an increase in number of injections among patients with N+ disease, disease recurrence, a history of irradiation and secondary TEP. No patients required surgical closure of the TEP.

Conclusions: Office-based TEP-I is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with an enlarged TEP site who have failed more conservative measures. A history of irradiation, disease recurrence, secondary TEP, and high-volume neck disease were predictive of multiple injections. Further study is warranted to accurately identify patients who may benefit from TEP-I to control leakage around the TEP.