Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with a flexible transillumination device: a new technique and its outcomes

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe a new secondary tracheoesophageal puncture technique with voice prosthesis insertion under local anesthesia with a low-cost device and evaluate its outcome. METHODS: With a transoral flexible transillumination device of aluminum of 2.3 mm with fiberoptic light, the esophagus’s anterior wall is visualized through the tracheostomy. A tracheoesophageal fistula is made with a blade and passed through the fistula. Then a bent trocar is introduced into the lumen using the device as a guidewire. Once in the lumen, a thin guide wire is passed through up to the mouth. The voice prosthesis is positioned with retrograde insertion. Then, the patient is discharged without hospitalization. RESULTS: 15 patients submitted to this technique had a successful surgical outcome. There were no complications as pneumothorax, esophageal perforation, bleeding, or hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The new device is feasible under local anesthesia.