Prognostic Factors Affecting the Success of Duckbill Vocal Restoration

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Abstract
This study analyzed a group of 20 patients undergoing duckbill vocal restoration at Ohio State University to determine if certain variables could predict success. Of the 20 patients, 19 developed successful speech. The 10 variables studied were age, alcohol use, living environment, stoma size, hearing acuity, educational level, work status, eye-hand coordination, concomitant medical problems, and current mode of communication. A multiple correlation analysis of this data was undertaken and alcohol abuse and stoma size were found to have the highest correlation with developing successful duckbill speech. A formula based on these two variables has been derived that will predict the patient's success. It is the conclusion of this study that since patients are not uniformly successful in developing duckbill speech such a formula is of value in predicting success and should help the clinician identify patients who may have difficulties.
Funding Information
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (1 K07 NS00417‐04)
  • National Cancer Institute (P 30 CA 16058‐09)

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