2017 Volume 63 Issue 2 Pages 37-40
Voice prosthesis Provox2® using the Tracheo-esophageal fistula is a useful treatment modality. However, it is necessary to exchange the Provox2® to a new one after several months and it is also expensive. One problem associated with this prosthesis is the attachment of a fungous ball to the valve in the Provox2® . This study was conducted to find out whether the use of an antifungal agent is useful to prolong the use of the Provox2® and thereby reduce the frequency that it must be exchanged for a new one. The subjects of this study included three hypopharyngeal cancer and five laryngeal cancer patients. Our findings indicated that the exchange periods could be prolonged in all eight patients. Therefore, the use of an antifungal agent is useful with this prosthesis.
