186 | Chapter 7 Conclusion This is the first study exploring multiple policies to prevent voice prosthesis leakage using hypothetical prophylactic VP changes in laryngectomized patients. To prevent 70% of all occurred leakages during the study period, on average more than six additional VPs would be necessary annually per patient. The variability in device lifetime inter-, but most of all intrapatient, makes it impossible to predict device lifetime and set the interval for VP replacements. There are significant differences in device lifetime in subgroups for the used type of VP and indication for TL. These differences do not contribute to a better predictability of leakage. Based on the presented results prophylactic replacement of VPs is not a feasible policy.
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