The length of the fistula in measured and a prosthesis is chosen for the patient. A gel cap is placed onto the prosthesis for a more comfortable insertion. The ENT or speech pathologist inserts the prosthesis and waits for the gel cap to dissolve, causing the retention collar of the prosthesis to open up and anchor the prosthesis within the fistula. Any stomal accessories are replaced and the patient is trained in care of the prosthesis. The life span of a voice prosthesis ranges from several weeks to six months, depending on the type, patient physiology, and self-care.
Many patients are able to care for and change their voice prostheses independently.
You should visit your doctor or speech pathologist at least every six months, or when you suspect your prosthesis may be damaged or leaking. P Mr. X called the clinic and complained that his voice prosthesis is leaking, and that he cannot voice through it. He will be coming into the clinic this afternoon to have the SLP change his voice prosthesis. Plan is to trouble-shoot the prosthesis to determine if and why it is leaking, and replace it with a new one if necessary. S Mr. X arrived at the clinic with his wife.