Fatal cerebritis and ventriculitis secondary to tracheoesophageal prosthesis.

Tracheoesophageal puncture and voice prosthesis placement is the preferred method of voice restoration following total laryngectomy. Although this is a safe and effective means of optimizing voice, severe complications can occur. We present the case of a patient who developed cerebritis and ventriculitis secondary to a tracheoesophageal prosthesis eroding his cervical vertebrae 20 years following pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy. Despite optimal antimicrobial therapy, he deteriorated and succumbed to his disease. Although tracheoesophageal prostheses are a safe and effective means of voice restoration, life-threatening complications can occur. This case report highlights a rare but severe case of cervical osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, and cerebritis and ventriculitis secondary to tracheoesophageal prosthesis. Clinicians must be aware of this severe complication in postlaryngectomy patients with tracheoesophageal prostheses.