Long-term compliance of laryngectomized patients with a specialized pulmonary rehabilitation device: Provox Stomafilter

Laryngoscope. 1998 Feb;108(2):257-60. doi: 10.1097/00005537-199802000-00018.

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated the positive effect of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) on the respiratory system in patients after laryngectomy. However, patient compliance with these devices was reduced by device-related problems and troublesome combination with a voice prosthesis. Recently a more specialized device has become available. This is an HME combined with a valve for easy digital occlusion of the stoma (Provox Stomafilter; Hörby, Sweden). In the authors' initial study of this revised device, a clear improvement in short-term compliance was demonstrated. To investigate long-term compliance, 69 consecutive patients were interviewed by means of a structured questionnaire. The results show that all patients expressed their satisfaction with the valve used for digital occlusion of the stoma. Sixty-three percent of the patients reported that voicing was facilitated. Subjective intelligibility improved in 55% of the patients. Previous problems with other devices (e.g., plaster adherence, skin irritation, and handling) were clearly diminished, increasing the long-term compliance of the patients to 78%. This new HME can be considered as a beneficial pulmonary rehabilitation tool for laryngectomized patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Filtration / instrumentation
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Humidity
  • Laryngectomy / rehabilitation*
  • Larynx, Artificial*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Surgical Stomas
  • Time Factors