Voice rehabilitation with the application of massage device “Medical 2VR” in patients after total laryngectomy

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a deeply invasive massager Medical 2VR, Cyberbiomed as a supportive voice rehabilitation method in patients after total removal of the larynx. Background: Voice loss after total laryngectomy due to laryngeal cancer seems to be the main disadvantage of that surgical procedure for majority of patients. Neck lymphoedemas, soft tissues fibrosis and restricted mobility around the shoulder girdle due to surgical procedures and radiotherapy are the factors impeding the process of voice rehabilitation. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 80 patients after total laryngectomy treated in Outpatient Clinic and Department of Otolaryngology of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice in 2009-2011. Assessment of voice parameters, measurements of neck circumference and pressure in the opening of sphincter of oesophagus mouth were performed. The nature of the emitted voice and speech volume was analyzed. Results: The results showed that in 90% of patients a significant reduction of neck lymphedema was observed. Also, various voice parameters and pressure in the opening of sphincter of oesophagus improved. Conclusions: Invasive massager Medical 2VR results in reduction of the voice rehabilitation period and shorter learning process of substitute speech in patients after total laryngectomy.