Prosthesis has disappeared and seems to be aspirated

Problem: the voice prosthesis has disappeared and seems to be aspirated

Aspiration of the prosthesis, once properly inserted in the fistula, is very unlikely, due to the rigidity of the esophageal flange. However, in case of an atrophy of the party wall and widening of the TEP tract (an example right), accidental aspiration of a voice prosthesis is a potential problem. If a Provox or Provox2 voice prosthesis (or any other component of the Provox voice rehabilitation system) is aspirated, immediate symptoms may include gagging, coughing, choking, or wheezing. As with any other foreign body, complications from aspiration of a component may be caused by an obstruction or infection, and may include pneumonia, atelectasis, bronchitis, lung abscess, bronchopulmonary fistula and asthma. If the patient can speak or breathe, coughing may dislodge the foreign body without the need for emergency action. Partial airway obstruction or complete airway obstruction requires immediate intervention for removal of the object. In case a reinsertion of the voice prosthesis is considered, proper measures should be taken to avoid reoccurrence of the aspiration (see leakage around the voice prosthesis).