Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn
-
Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and prosthesis insertion is a well-established method of voice rehabilitation after laryngectomy. Maintenance of the prosthesis and tract can be challenging, and reflux to the TEP site has been proposed as a cause. The sites of TEP were evaluated for the presence of pepsin in tissue biopsy specimens and tract secretions to explore this association. ⋯ Reflux with subsequent pepsin deposition into the TEP tract occurs in a majority of laryngectomy patients. Further studies on the effect of reflux on the health and function of the TEP tract are warranted.