Muscle Repair for Esophageal Speech

Abstract

IT IS generally believed that satisfactory esophageal speech is only obtained in 40 to 65% of patients. We concentrated on manipulation ofthe constrictor muscle in laryngectomy as being the key to solving the problem of difficulty in esophageal speech. Thus, we have been devising ways to suture the constrictor muscles. Retrospectively, the patients could be grouped into three categories. In the first group the ends of the thyropharyngeus as well as the cricopharyngeus were sutured tightly together. The patients in the second group had only the thyropharyngeus sutured, while the cricopharyngeus as left as it was. In the third group both muscles remained free after removal of the larynx. Percentages of patients acquiring effective esophageal speech were: 40% (6/15) for Group 1, 80% (33/41) for Group 2 and 88% (15/17) for Group 3.