Functional Voice Restoration after Laryngeal Transplantation: A Multidisciplinary Protocol and Longitudinal Outcomes
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| Title: | Functional Voice Restoration after Laryngeal Transplantation: A Multidisciplinary Protocol and Longitudinal Outcomes |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Bin Zeng, Hailing Gu (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2026 61(3). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 9 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Human Body, Surgery, Voice Disorders, Speech Therapy, Rehabilitation Programs, Rehabilitation, Protocol Analysis, Neurological Organization, Individualized Instruction |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70228 |
| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Laryngeal transplantation offers the potential for patients to regain vocal function, yet standardised voice rehabilitation protocols are lacking. We share the experience of our team in the regular follow-up of voice function evaluation and address this gap by establishing a multidisciplinary pathway for functional recovery. Methods: Four male transplant recipients (3 laryngeal cancers, 1 hypopharyngeal cancer) underwent protocolized assessments at 1/3/6/8 months post-op: subjective assessment (GRBAS scale) and objective evaluation (multiparametric acoustic analysis and electronic laryngoscopy). Personalized rehabilitation was delivered weekly by a licensed speech therapist. Protocol evolution occurred: Patients 1-2 received conventional training; Patients 3-4 received intensive neuromuscular reinnervation strategies. Results: The voice of the four patients showed a gradual decrease in the degree of hoarseness, a gradual alleviation of breathiness, and a gradual decrease in asthenia score, with the overall condition improving. The MPT was about 1.8 s at 1 month after surgery which kept increasing in all patients. The 3rd patient, who performed the best among the 4 patients, had an MPT of more than 10 s at 8 months after surgery. Laryngeal mucosa sensory function was gradually established in patients starting 3 months after operation, and compensatory vibration of ventricular band appeared at 8 months after operation with the assistance of voice training. Conclusions: This study anchored to neuromuscular reinnervation milestones demonstrates that standardised evaluations coupled with individualized training progressively restore vocal function. Our protocolized framework guides evidence-based rehabilitation for institutions pursuing laryngeal transplantation. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506836 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Laryngeal transplantation offers the potential for patients to regain vocal function, yet standardised voice rehabilitation protocols are lacking. We share the experience of our team in the regular follow-up of voice function evaluation and address this gap by establishing a multidisciplinary pathway for functional recovery. Methods: Four male transplant recipients (3 laryngeal cancers, 1 hypopharyngeal cancer) underwent protocolized assessments at 1/3/6/8 months post-op: subjective assessment (GRBAS scale) and objective evaluation (multiparametric acoustic analysis and electronic laryngoscopy). Personalized rehabilitation was delivered weekly by a licensed speech therapist. Protocol evolution occurred: Patients 1-2 received conventional training; Patients 3-4 received intensive neuromuscular reinnervation strategies. Results: The voice of the four patients showed a gradual decrease in the degree of hoarseness, a gradual alleviation of breathiness, and a gradual decrease in asthenia score, with the overall condition improving. The MPT was about 1.8 s at 1 month after surgery which kept increasing in all patients. The 3rd patient, who performed the best among the 4 patients, had an MPT of more than 10 s at 8 months after surgery. Laryngeal mucosa sensory function was gradually established in patients starting 3 months after operation, and compensatory vibration of ventricular band appeared at 8 months after operation with the assistance of voice training. Conclusions: This study anchored to neuromuscular reinnervation milestones demonstrates that standardised evaluations coupled with individualized training progressively restore vocal function. Our protocolized framework guides evidence-based rehabilitation for institutions pursuing laryngeal transplantation. |
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| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70228 |
