The GPRA organization is led by the Head and Neck team of the Netherlands Cancer Institute and organizes teaching in the field of rehabilitation, mainly after laryngectomy. The GPRA courses are held in Amsterdam and Rome, and several other sites and specific courses are offered online.

The programs offer engaging, interactive and inspiring experiences, including surgical videos, and ample time for discussion and Q&A

Time

April 16-17, 2026, at 10:00-17:00 CET

Learning objectives

• Obtain knowledge on how rehabilitation has evolved over the years
• Know the possible voice rehabilitation techniques and the advantages and disadvantages of these methods
• Understand the mechanism of voicing using different rehabilitation techniques
• Understand voice quality and dynamic range after different rehabilitation techniques
• Obtain knowledge regarding primary and secondary TEP, advantages and disadvantages
• Learn how to replace voice prostheses
• Learn techniques to facilitate fluent speech
• Learn surgical techniques of total laryngectomy reconstruction and pharyngeal defect reconstruction
• Learn techniques ofprimary neopharynx closure and optimization of VP speech
• How to create a flat stoma
• Learn about optimal organisation of rehabilitation
• Learn optimal techniques to train voicing

• Learn techniques and options to troubleshoot voicing problems
• Learn on the importance of olfaction
• Learn on the polite jawning (NAIM) technique
• Learn alternative techniques for optimal smelling
• Be aware of the risks after (salvage) laryngectomy
• Learn to manage TE fistula problems and troubleshooting VP replacements
• Know the statistics of (peri-) prosthetic leakage
• Be aware that laryngectomy is also a form of phonosurgery
• Management of stoma problems and how to avoid them
• Optimal techniques to avoid hypertonicity and hypotonicity
• Learn on the physiological consequences for pulmonary function after open stoma breathing
• Learn on Heat and Moisture effects of HMEs
• Understand the possibilities and limitations of pulmonary rehabilitation

Agenda

• Welcome and introduction
• Postlaryngectomy rehabilitation and tracheoesophageal voicing pathophysiology
• Surgical techniques: total laryngectomy, primary tracheoesophageal puncture(TEP)
• Primary vs secondary puncture: pro and cons
• TL surgery video Gemelli experience
• Management of advanced laryngeal cancer
• Biofilm in voice prosthesis: impact on device life-time and future perspectives
• Adverse events and troubleshooting
• Demonstration of voice prosthesis replacement
• Voice rehabilitation basics and troubleshooting
• Voice evaluation and outcomes
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Towards optimization of QoL after total laryngectomy: accepting a new self-image
• Olfactory rehabilitation

Expert panel

Prof. Jacopo Galli, Chairman Head and Neck Department, Gemelli, Rome

Dr. Baris Karakullukcu, Head and Neck Surgeon, NKI, Amsterdam

Dr. Lea Calò , Head and Neck Surgeon, Gemelli, Rome

Dr. Claudio Parrilla, PhD, Head and Neck Surgeon, Gemelli, Rome

Dr. Giulio Cesare Passali, Head and Neck Surgeon, Gemelli, Rome

Dr. Mario Rigante, PhD, Head and Neck Surgeon, Gemelli, Rome

Dr. Lucia D’Alatri, Speech and Language Pathologist, Gemelli, Rome

Dr. Ylenia Longobardi, Speech and Language Therapist, Gemelli, Rome

Registration for this event has closed.