[Factors that affect in situ lifetime of Provox voice prosthesis].

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of age, radiotherapy, insertion time of prosthesis, the period between radiotherapy and insertion time on in situ lifetime of Provox, voice quality and complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included the use of 62 Provox voice prosthesis in 50 total laryngectomy patients (46 males, 4 females; mean age 61 years; range 43 to 77 years). The patients visited our clinic regularly every three months for the first year after insertion and every six months in subsequent years. The ease of use and complications of prothesis and voice quality of the patients were evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean in situ lifetime was 24 months (range 1 to 49 months). Age, radiotherapy, insertion time of the prosthesis, the period between radiotherapy and the insertion time had no influence on the in situ lifetime of Provox. These variables were not associated with the complications of the prosthesis. A statistically significant good voice quality was found in nonirradiated patients and those in whom the prosthesis was inserted between 6 and 24 months after laryngectomy. The use of Provox was easier in nonirradiated patients than irradiated patients (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: In situ lifetime of Provox was not influenced by age, radiotherapy, insertion time, and the period between radiotherapy and insertion time of prosthesis. We believe that the patient factor is the most important factor that affect the in situ lifetime of Provox.