[Preliminary results in the use of polydimethylsiloxane textured elastomers (Bioplastique) in the treatment of leakage around tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis]

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2002 Oct;22(5):284-8.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Leakage around the prosthesis is one of the worst problems afflicting patients fitted with tracheoesophageal (TE) voice prosthesis. Removing the prosthesis for a few days can reduce the size of the fistula, or the leakage may be eliminated simply by replacing the prosthesis. In cases that are refractory to such treatment, the perifistular injection of different types of autologous, heterologous or alloplastic substances has been proposed. A new kind of silicone, previously available abroad, has recently appeared on the Italian market as well; constituted by polydimethylsiloxane textured elastomers (Bioplastique) for soft tissue implants, it appears to guarantee excellent standards of long-term safety and stability. Three patients fitted with Provox2 tracheoesophageal voice protheses who had been experiencing leakage for about 4 months underwent Bioplastique implant procedures. The correction of the fistula size was easy to accomplish and well tolerated by the patients. There was no sign of inflammation, formation of granulomas or other pathological modifications, and the size of the fistula, together with its fluid-tightness, remained stable in time. From our point of view, the Bioplastique implant appears to provide valid and effective treatment of gaping TE fistulas.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / therapeutic use*
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Larynx, Artificial*
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Silicones / therapeutic use*
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Silicones
  • baysilon