Office-based tracheoesophageal puncture: Updates in techniques and outcomes

Purpose Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is an effective rehabilitation method for postlaryngectomy speech and has already been described as a procedure that is safely performed in the office. We review our long-term experience with office-based TEP over the past 7 years in the largest cohort published to date.

Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent TEP by a single surgeon from 2005 through 2012, including office-based and operating room procedures. Indications for the chosen technique (office versus operating room) and surgical outcomes were evaluated.

Results Fifty-nine patients underwent 72 TEP procedures, with 55 performed in the outpatient setting and 17 performed in the operating room, all without complication. The indications for performing TEPs in the operating room included 2 primary TEPs, 14 due to concomitant procedures requiring general anesthesia, and 1 due to failed attempt at office-based TEP. Nineteen patients with prior rotational or free flap reconstruction successfully underwent office-based TEP.

Conclusions TEP in an office-based setting with immediate voice prosthesis placement continues to be a safe method of voice rehabilitation for postlaryngectomy patients, including those who have previously undergone free flap or rotational flap reconstruction. Office-based TEP is now our primary approach for postlaryngectomy voice rehabilitation.