Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture using transnasal esophagoscopy in gastric pull-up reconstruction after total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: There is debate about the optimal voice restoration method and technique for patients who have undergone total laryngopharyngectomy, esophagectomy, and gastric pull-up. The purpose of this study was to report a series of patients who underwent awake, secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) after this procedure.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary referral center. All subjects who underwent TEP placement under transnasal esophagoscopy guidance between 2003 and 2013 were included.

RESULTS: All patients underwent uncomplicated TEP in the clinic. At the time of last follow-up, all patients had functional TEP speech that they were using preferentially over an available electrolarynx.

CONCLUSION: In-office placement of secondary TEP using transnasal esophagoscopy is an efficient means of providing a conduit for voice prostheses in patients who have undergone laryngopharyngectomy with gastric pull up reconstruction. This procedure can be performed with minimal complications and with expectation of voice outcomes comparable to that seen with standard laryngectomy.