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Scanning Electron Microscopy Study Of Biofilms On Silicone Voice Prosthesis, T. R. Neu, F. Dijk, G. J. Verkerke, H. C. Van Der Mei, H. J. Busscher

Cells and Materials

Patients after laryngectomy often receive silicone made voice prostheses fot speech rehabilitation. The prosthesis is inserted in a shunt between the trachea and the digestive tract. As the prosthesis is placed in a nonsterile environment it becomes rapidly colonized by microorganisms eventually leading to failure and frequent exchange of the implant. In this study, explanted "Groningen Button" silicone voice prostheses were used to investigate by scanning electron microscopy the biofilm developing on the implant. Two main types of microbial colonization forms could be distinguished. Firstly, macroscopically visible, single colonies dominating on the esophagus side of the prosthesis were found, which …