Comprehensive Evaluation of Vocal Outcomes and Quality of Life after Total Laryngectomy and Voice Restoration with J-Flap and Tracheoesophageal Puncture.

[BACKGROUND] Tracheoesophageal puncture with a voice prosthesis is the gold standard for speech rehabilitation in patients that receive a laryngopharyngectomy. However, a novel surgical technique, using a tubularized anterolateral tight flap, named "J-flap," has been demonstrated to produce adequate voice restoration. We aimed to compare the outcomes and the quality of life of patients who underwent voice rehabilitation with both techniques.

[METHODS] We enrolled patients that underwent laryngopharyngectomy and voice restoration surgery. The control group received a tracheoesophageal puncture with a voice prosthesis, while the study group received J-flap reconstruction. A total of 20 patients received voice prosthesis rehabilitation, while 18 received J-flap reconstruction. Speech and vocal outcomes and quality of life metrics were collected.

[RESULTS] The objective phonatory performances and the acoustic voice analysis did not outline a significant difference. Speech pathologists judged the consonant pronunciation in the J-flap group as less accurate ( < 0.001). The voice handicap index revealed a moderate impairment for the J-flap group ( < 0.001). Quality of life scores were higher for the voice prosthesis group.

[CONCLUSION] Voice prostheses and J-flaps share similar objective phonatory outcomes. Quality of life was more impaired in the J-flap group. In our view, these two techniques possess complementary characteristics in clinical practice, taking into account health care system regulations and patients' social background.