Abstract
A technique for surgical voice restoration using a free ileocolic graft is presented. In this technique, a phonatory T-C (tracheocolic) shunt was fashioned from the terminal ileum. The sphincteric function of the ileocecal valve eliminated salivary leakage into the trachea. This valve mechanism was reinforced by the extrinsic compression produced by the “cecal application.” The intraluminal pressure before and after “cecal application” was studied experimentally in eight monkeys. The surgical procedure yielded a significant antireflex pressure in the animal model. Clinical experiences with six patients were satisfactory.
