Frans Hilgers

Medical and research background and activities


Selection of publications on total laryngectomy and on postlaryngectomy rehabilitation issues
1fd8e550

143. Marise Neijman, Frans Hilgers, Michiel van den Brekel, Rob van Son, Martijn Stuiver, Lisette van der Molen. Dysphagia after total laryngectomy; an exploratory study and clinical phase II rehabilitation trial with the novel Swallowing Exercise Aid (SEA 2.0). Dysphasia 2024, in press.
142. Wiederherstellung der Sprachfunktion nach Laryngektomie. Frans J. M. Hilgers, Michiel W. M. van den Brekel, Kai J. Lorenz, pp 409-430. Bookchapter in: Rekonstruktive Kopf-Hals-Chirurgie. Editors: Thomas Hoffmann, Jürgen Hoffmann, Daniel Hänggi, Jens Peter Klußmann. Publisher: Springer Berlin, Heidelberg. Hardcover ISBN978-3-662-58251-0; eBook ISBN978-3-662-58252-7; 2023; pp 468.

141. Japke F Petersen, Liset Lansaat, Adriana J. Timmermans, Vincent van der Noort, Frans J.M. Hilgers, Michiel W.M. van den Brekel. Postlaryngectomy prosthetic voice rehabilitation outcomes in a consecutive cohort of 232 patients over a 13-year period. Head Neck 2019; 41, 623-631
140. Japke F Petersen, Liset Lansaat, Frans J.M. Hilgers, Michiel W.M. van den Brekel. How I do it? Solving periprosthetic leakage wit a novel prosthetic device. Laryngoscope, online Nov 22, 2018.
139. Liset Lansaat, Vincent van der Noort, Simone E. Bernard, Simone E.J. Eerenstein, Boudewijn E.C. Plaat, Ton A.P.M. Langeveld, Martin Lacko, Frans J.M. Hilgers, Remco de Bree, Robert P. Takes, Michiel W.M. van den Brekel, on behalf of the Dutch Head and Neck Society. Predictive factors for pharyngocutaneous fistulization after total laryngectomy; a Dutch Head and Neck Society Audit. Eur Arch ORL. 2018; 275: 783-794
138. Frans JM Hilgers, Michiel WM van den Brekel, Kai J Lorenz. Wiederherstellung der Sprachfunktion nach totaler Kehlkopfentfernung. In "Rekonstruktive Kopf-Halschirurgie". Eds T.K. Hoffmann, J. Hoffmann, D. Hänggi, J.P. Klussmann. Publisher: Springer, Heidelberg, Germany; in press
137. Klaske E. van Sluis
, Lisette van der Molen, Rob J.J.H. van Son, Frans J.M. Hilgers, Patrick A. Bhairosing, Michiel W.M. van den Brekel. Objective and subjective voice outcomes after total laryngectomy; a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Arch ORL. 2018; 275: 11-26
136. JF Petersen, AJ Timmermans, BAC van Dijk,
LIH Overbeek, LA Smit, FJM Hilgers, MM Stuiver, MWM van den Brekel. Trends in incidence, treatment, and survival of hypopharynx cancer: a 20-year population based study. Eur Arch ORL 2018; 275: 181-189

135. L Lansaat, BJ de Kleijn, FJM Hilgers, BFAM van der Laan, MWM van de Brekel. Prospective clinical study on the added value of a new hydrocolloid peristomal adhesive for laryngectomized patients. Int Arch ORL. 2018; 22: 130-135
134. Hilgers FJM, Tan IB, van de Brekel MWM. Comprehensive (prosthetic) voice, pulmonary and olfaction rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Book chapter (chapter 49) in: ‘Head and Neck Surgery’ 2nd edition 2017; editor-in-chief Chris de Souza; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD, New Delhi, India; ISBN: 978-93-86150-61-5; pp 816-849
133. Liset Lansaat, Cindy van den Boer, Sara H Muller, Vincent van der Noort, Michiel WM van den Brekel, Frans JM Hilgers. Ex-vivo humidifying capacity and patient acceptability of stoma cloths in laryngectomized individuals. Head Neck 2017; 39: 921-931
132. Hilgers FJM, Tan IB, van de Brekel MWM. Comprehensive (prosthetic) voice, pulmonary and olfaction rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Book chapter (chapter 49) in: ‘Head and Neck Surgery’ 2nd edition 2017; editor-in-chief Chris de Souza; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD, New Delhi, India; ISBN: 978-93-86150-61-5; pp 816-849
131. L Lansaat, BJ de Kleijn, FJM. Hilgers, BFAM van der Laan, MWM van de Brekel. A prospective multicenter clinical feasibility study of a new automatic speaking valve for postlaryngectomy voice rehabilitation. EAORL. 2017; 274: 1005-1013
130. Muller SH, van den Brekel MM, Hilgers FJ. Letter to the editor regarding: The effect of cloth stoma covers on tracheal climate of laryngectomy patients. Head Neck.
2016; 38: 330-331
129. Renee P. Clapham, Jean-Pierre Martens, Rob van Son, Frans Hilgers, Michiel van den Brekel, Catherine Middag. Computing scores of voice quality and speech intelligibility in tracheoesophageal speech for speech stimuli of varying lengths. Comp Speech Lang. 2016; 37: 1-10
128. I. Jacobi, A.J. Timmermans, F.J.M. Hilgers, M.W.M. van den Brekel. Voice quality and surgical detail in post-laryngectomy tracheoesophageal speakers. Eur Arch ORL, 2016: 373: 2669-2679
127. Adriana J Timmermans, Charlotte A Lange, Josien A de Bois, Erik van Werkhoven, Olga Hamming-Vrieze, Frans J Hilgers, Michiel van den Brekel. Assessment of tumor volume as prognostic factor for local and loco-regional control, and overall survival in advanced larynx cancer. Laryngoscope 2016; 126: E60-67
126. AJ Timmermans, BAC van Dijk, LIH Overbeek, MLF van Velthuysen, H. van Tinteren, FJM Hilgers, MWM van den Brekel. Trends in treatment and survival of advanced larynx cancer: a 20-year population-based study in the Netherlands. Head Neck. 2016; 38: E1247-1255
125. CJ van As-Brooks, FJM Hilgers, KJ Lorenz. Diagnose und Therapie von Stimmproblemen bei Stimmprothesennutzern. Editor Kai J Lorenz. In: Komplikationsmanagement nach Stimmrehabilitation mit Stimmprothesen. Unimed Verlag (Bremen, London, Boston); ISBN 978-3-8374-1488-2; pp. 105-121
124. KJ Lorenz, FJM Hilgers. Therapie der periprothetische Leckage. Editor Kai J Lorenz. In: Komplikationsmanagement nach Stimmrehabilitation mit Stimmprothesen. Unimed Verlag (Bremen, London, Boston); ISBN 978-3-8374-1488-2; pp. 71-98
123. CJ van As-Brooks, FJM Hilgers, KJ Lorenz. Physiologie der Stimmbildung nach Laryngektomie Editor Kai J Lorenz. In: Komplikationsmanagement nach Stimmrehabilitation mit Stimmprothesen. Unimed Verlag (Bremen, London, Boston); ISBN 978-3-8374-1488-2; pp. 23-31
122. Frans JM Hilgers, Richard Dirven, Irene Jacobi, Michiel WM van den Brekel. Physiology and prospects of bimanual tracheoesophageal brass instrument play. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2015; 35: 202-207
121. Valesca P Retèl, Cindy van den Boer, Lotte Steuten, Æ Sławomir Okła, Frans Hilgers, Michiel van den Brekel. Cost-effectiveness of Heat and Moisture Exchangers compared to usual care for pulmonary rehabilitation after total laryngectomy in Poland. Eur Arch ORL.2015; 272: 2381-2388


120. J Timmermans, HJM Harmsen, C Bus-Spoor, KJDA Buijssen, CJ van As-Brooks, MC de Goffau, RH Tonk, MWM van den Brekel, FJM Hilgers, BFAM van der Laan. Biofilm formation on the Provox® ActiValve: composition and ingrowth analyzed by Illumina paired-end RNA sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Head Neck. 2016; 38: E432-440
119. C van den Boer, SH Muller, V van der Noort, RA Valdés Olmos, A Minni, C Parilla, FJM Hilgers, MWM van den Brekel, S van der Baan. Effects of Heat Moisture Exchangers on tracheal mucociliary clearance in laryngectomized patients. Eur Arch ORL.
2015; 272: 3439-3450
118. AJ Timmermans, CJ de Gooijer, O Hamming-Vrieze, FJM Hilgers, MWM van den Brekel. T3-T4 larynx cancer in the Netherlands Cancer Institute; 10-year results of the consistent application of an organ preserving/sacrificing protocol. Head Neck. 2015; 37: 1495-1503
117. Renee Clapham, Corina J van As-Brooks, Rob J van Son, Frans J Hilgers; Michiel van den Brekel. Rater reliability and the relationship between acoustic signal typing and perceptual evaluation of tracheoesophageal voice quality for sustained vowels. J Voice 2015; 29: 517.e23-9
116. Cindy van den Boer, Michel van Harten, Frans JM Hilgers, Michiel WM van den Brekel, Valesca P Retèl. Incidence of severe tracheobronchitis and pneumonia in laryngectomized patients: a retrospective clinical study and a European-wide survey among head and neck surgeons. Eur Arch ORL. 2014; 277: 3297-3303
115. Hilgers FJM, van den Brekel MWM. Chapter XXX: Vocal and Speech Rehabilitation Following Laryngectomy. In: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 6th Edition. Editors: Flint, Haughey, Lund, Niparko, Robbins, Thomas, and Lesperance. Elsevier, Philadelphia; ISBN 978-1-4557-4696-5; pp. 1732-1750
114. Cindy van den Boer, Jonathan Vas Nunes, Sara H. Muller, Vincent van der Noort, Michiel W.M. van den Brekel, Frans J.M. Hilgers. Water uptake performance of hygroscopic Heat and Moisture Exchangers after 24-hour tracheostoma application. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014; 150: 999-1004
113.Cindy van den Boer, Sara H. Muller, Andrew D. Vincent, Michiel W.M. van den Brekel, Frans J.M. Hilgers. Ex vivo assessment and validation of water exchange performance of 23 Heat and Moisture Exchangers for laryngectomized patients. Resp Care 2014; 59: 1161-1171
112. Hilgers FJM, van den Boer, C, van den Brekel MWM, Muller SH. Pulmonary function and rehabilitation. Chapter 13 in: Head and Neck Cancer: Treatment, Rehabilitation and Outcomes; 2nd edition. Editors: EC Ward and CJ van As. Publisher: Plural Publishing, Inc. San Diego. ISBN 978-1-59756-567-7. 2014; pp 401-420.
111. Hilgers FJM, Tan IB, van de Brekel MWM. Comprehensive (prosthetic) voice, pulmonary and olfaction rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Book chapter (chapter XX) in: ‘Head and Neck Surgery’ 2nd edition; editor in chief Chris de Souza; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD, New Delhi, India; in press.

110. A.J. Timmermans, L. Lansaat, E.A.R. Theunissen, O. Hamming-Vrieze, F.J.M. Hilgers, M.W.M. van den Brekel. Predictive factors for pharyngocutaneous fistulization after total laryngectomy. Annals ORL. 2014; 123: 153-161
109. Renee Clapham, Catherine Middag, Frans Hilgers, Jean-Pierre Martens, Michiel van den Brekel, Rob van Son. Automatic assessment of articulation, voice quality and accent; Developing automatic articulation, voice quality and accent assessment techniques for speakers treated for advanced head and neck cancer. Speech Communication 2014; 59: 44-54
108. Cindy van den Boer, Sara H. Muller, Andrew D. Vincent, Klaus Züchner, Michiel W.M. van den Brekel, Frans J.M. Hilgers. Ex vivo water exchange performance and short-term clinical feasibility assessment of newly developed Heat and Moisture Exchangers for pulmonary rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Eur Arch ORL. 2014; 271: 359-366
107. A. Jacqueline Timmermans, Liset Lansaat, Gertruda V.J. Kroon, Olga Hamming-Vrieze, Frans J.M. Hilgers, Michiel W.M. van den Brekel. Early oral intake after total laryngectomy does not increase pharyngocutaneous fistulization. Eur Arch ORL. 2014; 271: 353-358

106. Renee P. Clapham, Corina J. Van As-Brooks, Michiel W.M. Van den Brekel, Frans J.M. Hilgers, Rob J.J.H. Van Son. Automatic tracheoesophageal voice typing using acoustic parameters. Interspeech 2013; 2162-2166
105. C van den Boer, SH Muller, AD Vincent, K Züchner, MWM van den Brekel, FJM Hilgers. A novel, simplified ex-vivo method for measuring performance of Heat and Moisture Exchangers for postlaryngectomy pulmonary rehabilitation. Respiratory Care 2013; 58: 1449-1458
104. Timmer FCA, Wreesmann VB, Smeele LE, Hilgers FJM, Lohuis PJM. De dubbelzijdige geëpithelialiseerde radialis onderarmslap voor het sluiten van een trachea-oesofageale fistel. Ned Tijdschr KNO-heelk. 2013; 19: 115-120.
103. Lisette van der Molen, Anne Kornman, Merel Latenstein, Michiel WM van den Brekel, Frans JM Hilgers. Practice of Laryngectomy Rehabilitation Interventions: A perspective from Europe/the Netherlands. Curr Opin ORL. 2013; 21: 230-238
102. Hilgers FJM, Scheenstra, R.J., Muller, S.H., van den Brekel, M.W.M. Aktuelle Forschung zur Verbesserung der Wärme und Feuchtigkeitskapazität von HME for Laryngektomierte patienten/Current research on the improvements of HMEs. In: Lorenz K, ed.
Pulmonale Rehabilitation nach Laryngektomie/Pulmonary Rehabilitation after Laryngectomy: Unimed Verlag, Bremen; http://www.uni-med.de, 2013:43-52/42-50
101. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff, A.H., van den Brekel, M.W.M. Bedeutung von HME für die ganzheitliche Rehabilitation nach Laryngektomie/Role of HMEs in comprehensive rehabilitation after laryngectomy Pulmonale Rehabilitation nach Laryngektomie/Pulmonary rehabilitation after total laryngectomy: Unimed Verlag, Bremen; http://www.uni-med.de, 2013:35-41/34-39

100. KJ Lorenz, FJM Hilgers, H. Maier. Neues Punktionsinstrumentarium: Provox-Vega®-Punktionsset. Anwendung beim Einbringen einerStimmprothese nach Laryngektomie. (A novel puncture instrument: the Provox-Vega® puncture set: Its use in voice prosthesis insertion following laryngectomy.) HNO. 2013; 61: 30-37

99. FJM Hilgers, KJ Lorenz, H Maier, CA Meeuwis, JDF Kerrebijn, V Vander Poorten, A-S Vinck, M Quer, MWM van den Brekel. Development and (pre-) clinical assessment of a novel surgical tool for primary and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with immediate voice prosthesis insertion, the Provox Vega Puncture Set. Eur Arch ORL. 2013; 270: 255-262.
98. AJ Timmermans, MWM van den Brekel, L van der Molen, A Navran, ThF Nijssen, FJM Hilgers. Nieuwe ontwikkelingen op het gebied van zorg en nazorg van hoofd-halskanker. Ned Tijds v Geneesk. 2012; 156:1791-1724.
97. Hilgers FJM, van den Brekel MWM. Practical tips for voice rehabilitation after pharyngolaryngectomy. In: Pearls and Pitfalls in Head and Neck Surgery; practical tips to minimize complications; second revised and extended edition. Editor Cernea CR; associate editors: Dias FL, Fliss D, Lima RA, Myers EN, Wei WI. Karger Publishers, Basel, Freiburg, Paris, London, New York, Bangalore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney; 2012, pp 94-95. ISBN 978-3-8055-9972-6.
96. FJM Hilgers, R Dirven, Y Wouters, I Jacobi, HAM Marres, MWM van den Brekel. A multicenter prospective clinical trial evaluating a novel adhesive baseplate (Provox StabiliBase) for enhanced peristomal attachment of postlaryngectomy pulmonary and voice rehabilitation devices. Laryngoscope 2012; 122: 2447-2453.
95. AJ Timmermans, M Krap, FJM Hilgers, MWM van den Brekel. Spraakrevalidatie na totale laryngectomie. Ned Tijdschr Tandheelk. 2012; 119: 357-361
94. EAR Theunissen, AJ Timmermans, CL Zuur, O Hamming-Vrieze, JP de Boer, FJM Hilgers, MWM van den Brekel. Total laryngectomy for a dysfunctional larynx after (chemo)radiotherapy. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012; 138: 548-555.
93. Jean-Claude Mérol, Anne Charpiot, Thibault Langagne, Patrick Hémar, Annemieke H Ackerstaff, Frans JM Hilgers. Randomized controlled trial on postoperative pulmonary humidification after total laryngectomy: External Humidifier versus Heat and Moisture Exchanger. Laryngoscope 2012; 122: 275–281.
92. R.P. Clapham, F.J.M. Hilgers, M.W.M. van den Brekel, R.J.J.H. van Son. An Exploration into Automatic Phonological Feature Evaluation of Tracheoesophageal Speech. In: Sounds and Sounds; eds. W Zonneveld, H Quené, and W Heeren. Publisher UiL OTS, Utrecht; December 2011; pp. 69-79. BSAB: 01111946
91. AJM Balm, MWM van den Brekel, IB Tan, FJM Hilgers. The indwelling voice prosthesis for speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy: a safe approach. Otolaryngol Pol. 2011; 65: 402-409


90. van Kalkeren TA, van der Houwen EB, Duits MA, Hilgers FJ, Hebe A, Mostafa BE, Lawson G, Martinez Z, Woisard V, Marioni G, Ruske D, Schultz P, Post WJ, Verkerke BJ, van der Laan BF. A worldwide, multi center study of peristomal geometry and morphology in laryngectomees and its clinical effects. Head Neck. 2011;33:1184-90
89. EB van der Houwen, TA van Kalkeren, WJ Post, FJM Hilgers, BFAM van der Laan, GJ Verkerke. Does the patch fit the stoma? A study on peristoma geometry and patch use in laryngectomized patients. Clinical Otolaryngol 2011; 36: 235-241
88. RJ Scheenstra, SH Muller, FJM Hilgers. Endotracheal temperature and humidity in laryngectomized patients in a warm and dry environment; are heat and moisture exchangers still effective? Head Neck. 2011; 33: 1285-1293
87. RJ Scheenstra, SH Muller, A Vincent, A Ackerstaff, I Jacobi, FJM Hilgers. The effect of a newly developed heat and moisture exchanger for pulmonary rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients on the endotracheal temperature and humidity. Respiratory Care 2011; 56: 604-611
86. L Baijens, R Speijer, N Roodenburg, F Hilgers. Prosthetic tracheoesophageal voice production and swallowing function in a patient following circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy and neopharyngeal reconstruction with a jejunal free flap. Dysphagia 2011; 26:78–84
85. RJ Scheenstra, SH Muller, A Vincent, FJM Hilgers. Heat and moisture exchange capacity of the upper respiratory tract and the effect of tracheotomy breathing on endotracheal climate. Head Neck 2011; 33: 117-124
84. van Son RJJH, Jacobi I, Hilgers F. Manipulating Tracheoesophageal Speech. Proceedings Interspeech 2010, Makuhari, Japan, pp. 274-277.
83. Karakullukcu B, Lohuis PJ, vd Brekel MW, Hilgers FJM. Sealing of small post-laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulas with voice prosthesis. Laryngoscope 2010; 120: 1971-1973
82. Scheenstra RJ, Muller SH, Vincent A, Sinaasappel M, Hilgers FJM. The influence of breathing resistance of heat and moisture exchangers on tracheal climate and breathing pattern in laryngectomized individuals. Head Neck 2010; 32: 1069-1078.
81. R Dirven, PGC Kooijman, TJJ Maal, FJM Hilgers, SJ Bergé, HAM Marres. An external neck brace to support the peristomal fixation of an automatic stoma valve (ASV): 3D stereophotogrammetrical assessment. Acta Otolaryngol 2010; 130: 851-858.


80. FJM Hilgers, AH Ackerstaff, I Jacobi, AJM Balm, IB Tan, MWM van den Brekel. Prospective clinical phase II study of two new indwelling voice prostheses (Provox Vega 22.5 and 20 Fr), and a novel anterograde insertion device (Provox Smart Inserter). Laryngoscope 2010; 120: 1135-1143.
79. Scheenstra RJ, Muller SH, Vincent A, Ackerstaff AH, Jacobi I, Hilgers FJM. Short-term endotracheal climate changes and clinical effects of a heat and moisture exchanger with an integrated electrostatic virus and bacterial filter developed for laryngectomized individuals. Acta Otolaryngol. 2010; 130; 739-746.
78. Hilgers FJM, van den Brekel MWM. Chapter 113: Vocal and Speech Rehabilitation Following Laryngectomy. In: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 5th Edition. Editors: Flint, Haughey, Richardson, Robbins, Thomas, Niparko, and Lund. Elsevier, Philadelphia; 2010; pp 1594-1610.
77. Hilgers FJM, Balm AJM, van den Brekel MWM, Tan IB. Chapter 13. Surgery for larynx and hypopharyngeal cancer; f. Voice restoration. In: Surgery of Larynx and Trachea. Editors: Remacle and Eckel. Springer Verlag, Stuttgart; 2010; pp 245-256.
76. P Jongmans, AG Wempe, H van Tinteren, FJM Hilgers, LCW Pols, CJ van As-Brooks. The acoustic analysis of the voiced-voiceless distinction in Dutch tracheoesophageal speech. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2010; 53: 284-97.
75. FJM Hilgers, AH Ackerstaff, M van Rossum, I Jacobi, AJM Balm, IB Tan, MWM van den Brekel. Clinical phase I / feasibility study of the next generation indwelling Provox voice prosthesis (Provox Vega). Acta Otolaryngol. 2010; 130: 511-519.
74. Hilgers FJM, Tan IB. Comprehensive (prosthetic) voice, pulmonary and olfaction rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Book chapter (chapter 96) in: ‘Head and Neck Surgery’; editor in chief Chris de Souza; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD, New Delhi, India, 2009; pp 1390-1408.
73. I Jacobi, AH Ackerstaff, MA van Rossum, FJM Hilgers. Acoustic evaluation and speaker-subjective perception of tracheoesophageal voicing. Proceedings of the AVFA 3rd Advanced Voice Function International Workshop, Madrid, Spain, May 18-20, 2009; pp. 77-80.
72. JK Zuur, SH Muller, A Vincent, M Sinaasappel, FHC de Jongh, FJM Hilgers. The influence of a heat and moisture exchanger on tracheal climate in a cold environment. Medical Engineering and Physics 2009; 31: 852-857.
71. R Scheenstra, SH Muller, A Vincent, M Sinaasappel, JK Zuur, FJM Hilgers. Endotracheal temperature and humidity measurements in laryngectomized patients: intra- and inter-patient variability. Med Biol Eng Comput 2009; 47:773–782.

70. MA van Rossum, P Jongmans, CJ van As-Brooks, FJM Hilgers. Spraakverstaanbaarheid bij tracheoesophageal sprekers; een therapieprogramma voor het verbeteren van spraakverstaanbaarheid. Logopedie en Foniatrie 2009; 5: 172-176.
69. Annemieke Ackerstaff, Frans Hilgers. Quality-of-life issues after total laryngectomy. In: Voice restoration after total laryngectomy; Current science and future perspectives. Edited by Umanath K. Nayak, Aand Rehan Kazi. With Forewords by Eric D. Blom and Frans J.M. Hilgers. Publisher: Byword Books Private Limited, Delhi, India; 2009, pp 101-112.
68. Annemieke Ackerstaff, Frans Hilgers. Pulmonary rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. In: Voice restoration after total laryngectomy; Current science and future perspectives. Edited by Umanath K. Nayak, Aand Rehan Kazi. With Forewords by Eric D. Blom and Frans J.M. Hilgers. Publisher: Byword Books Private Limited, Delhi, India; 2009, pp 89-100.
67. VB Wreesmann, LM Smeele, FJM Hilgers, PJFM Lohuis. Closure of tracheoesophageal fistula with prefabricated revascularized bilaminar radial forearm free flap. Head Neck 2009; 31: 838-842.
66. Hilgers FJM. Primary postlaryngectomy vocal, pulmonary and olfactory rehabilitation: an update on the present global state of the art. J Jap Bronchoesophagol Soc 2009; 60: 142-150.
65. MA van Rossum, CJ van As-Brooks, FJM Hilgers, M Roozen. Quality of ‘glottal’ stops in tracheoesophageal speakers. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics 2009; 23:1-14.
64. MA van Rossum, P Jongmans, CJ van As-Brooks, FJM Hilgers. De ontwikkeling van een evidence-based therapieprogramma voor het verbeteren van spraakverstaanbaarheid bij tracheoesofageale sprekers. (The development of an evidence-based therapy program for the improvement of intelligibility in tracheoesophageal speakers). Stem-, Spraak-, en Taalpathologie 2008; 16: 112-123.
63. Hilgers FJM, van den Brekel MWM, van Tinteren H. Views on Acton el al. “Investigation of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis leakage patterns: Patient's self-report versus clinician's confirmation”, Head Neck 2008; 30: 618-621. Letter to the editor. Head Neck 2008; 30: 1660-1661.
62. Dirven R, Hilgers FJM, Plooij JM, Maal TJJ, Bergé SJ, Verkerke GJ, Marres HAM. 3D Stereophotogrammetry for the assessment of tracheostoma anatomy. Acta Otolaryngol. 2008; 128: 1248-1254.
61. Hilgers FJM, van den Brekel MWM. Practical tips for voice rehabilitation after pharyngolaryngectomy. In: Pearls and Pittfalls in Head and Neck Surgery; practical tips to minimize complications. Editor Cernea CR; associate editors: Dias FL, Fliss D, Lima RA, Myers EN, Wei WI. Karger Publishers, Basel, Freiburg, Paris, London, New York, Bangalore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokio, Sydney; 2008, pp 96-97. ISBN 978-3-8055-8425-8.

60. Zuur JK, Muller SH, Vincent A, Sinaasappel M, de Jongh FHC, Hilgers FJM. Assessment of tracheal temperature and humidity in laryngectomized individuals and the influence of heat and moisture exchangers on tracheal climate. Head Neck 2008; 30: 1072-1082.
59. Soolsma J, van den Brekel MWM, Ackerstaff AH, Balm AJM, Tan IB, Hilgers FJM. Long-term results of Provox ActiValve, solving the problem of frequent Candida- and ‘underpressure’-related voice prosthesis replacements. Laryngoscope 2008; 118: 252-257.
58. Hilgers FJM, Soolsma J, van den Brekel MWM, Ackerstaff AH, Balm AJM, Tan IB. A thin tracheal silicone washer solving periprosthetic leakage in laryngectomees; direct results and long-term clinical effects. Laryngoscope. 2008; 118: 640-645.
57. Soolsma J, van den Brekel MWM, Ackerstaff AH, Balm AJM, Tan IB, Hilgers FJM. Long-term results of Provox ActiValve, solving the problem of frequent Candida- and ‘underpressure’-related voice prosthesis replacements. Laryngoscope 2008; 118: 252-257.
56. Zuur JK, Muller SH, Sinaasappel M, Hart AAM, van Zandwijk N, Hilgers FJM. The influence of heat and moisture exchanger respiratory load on transcutaneous oxygenation in laryngectomized individuals; a randomised crossover study. Head Neck 2007; 29: 1102-1110.
55. Zuur JK, Muller SH, de Jongh FHC, van der Horst MJ, Shehata M, van Leeuwen J, Sinaasappel M, Hilgers FJM. A newly developed tool for intra-tracheal temperature and humidity assessment in laryngectomized individuals: the Airway Climate Explorer (ACE). Medical Biological Engineering and Computing 2007; 45: 737-745
54. Jongmans P, Wempe T, Hilgers FJM, Pols LCW, van As-Brooks CJ. Acoustic correlates of the voiced-voiceless distinction in Dutch tracheoesophageal speech. (Proceedings of the XVIth International Congress of Phonetic Sciences, Saarbrücken, August 6-10, 2007) ICPhS Proceedings 2007; XVI: 1997-2000.
53. Lorenz KJ, Groll K, Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Maier H. Hands-free speech after surgical voice rehabilitation with a Provox® voice prosthesis - Experience with the Provox FreeHands HME tracheostoma valve® system. Eur Arch ORL 2007; 264: 151-157.
52. Jongmans P, Hilgers FJM, Pols LCW, van As-Brooks CJ. The intelligibility of tracheoesophageal speech, with an emphasis on the voiced-voiceless distinction. Log Phon Vocol. 2006; 31:172-181.
51. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff AH. Development and evaluation of a novel tracheostoma button and fixation system (Provox LaryButton and LaryClip adhesive) to facilitate hands free tracheoesophageal speech. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 2006; 126: 1218-1224.

50. Ackerstaff AH, Zuur JK, Hilgers FJM. Pulmonary function and rehabilitation. Book chapter in: Head and Neck Cancer: Treatment, Rehabilitation and Outcomes. Editors: EC Ward and CJ van As-Brooks. Publisher: Plural Publishing, Inc. San Diego, 2006; pp313-324. ISBN 1-59756-061-8.
49. van As CJ, van Beinum FL, Pols LCW, Hilgers FJM. Acoustic signal typing for evaluation of voice quality in tracheoesophageal speech. J Voice 2006; 20: 355-368.
48. Hilgers FJM, Balm AJM, van den Brekel MWM, Tan IB. Problembehandlung bei der prothetischen Stimmrehabilitation nach (totaler) Laryngektomie. DPGW Journal 2006; 33: 41-51.
47. Hilgers FJM. Letter to the editor (concerning paper by Oosterhoff JJ, van der Mei HC, Busscher HJ, Free RH, Kaper HJ, van Weissenbruch R, Albers FW. In vitro leakage susceptibility of tracheoesophageal shunt prostheses in the absence and presence of a biofilm. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2005; 73: 23-8). J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2006; 77B: 447-449 (+ author’s reply).
46. Hilgers FJM, van As-Brooks CJ, Polak RMF, Tan IB. How I do it: Surgical improvement of hypotonicity in tracheoesophageal speech. Laryngoscope 2006;116:345-348.
45. Zuur JK, Muller SH, de Jongh FHC, van Zandwijk N, Hilgers FJM. The physiological rationale of heat and moisture exchangers in postlaryngectomy pulmonary rehabilitation; a review. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2006; 263: 1-8.
44. Jongmans P, Hilgers FJM, Pols LCW, van As-Brooks CJ. The intelligibility of tracheoesophageal speech: first results. (Peer reviewed paper in proceedings Interspeech Conference Lisbon, Portugal September 4-8.2005) Interspeech 2005: 1749-1752.
43. Op de Coul BNR, Ackerstaff AH, van As-Brooks CJ, van den Hoogen FJA, Meeuwis CA, Manni JJ, Hilgers FJM. Compliance, quality of life and quantitative voice quality aspects of hands-free speech. Acta Otolaryngol 2005; 125: 629-637.
42. van As CJ, Hilgers FJM, Koopmans-van Beinum FJ, Pols LCW. Anatomical and functional correlates of voice quality in tracheoesophageal speech. J Voice 2005; 19: 360-372.
41. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff AH. Respiratory consequences of total laryngectomy and the need for pulmonary protection and rehabilitation. In: Contemporary Considerations in the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Head and Neck Cancer: Voice, Speech and Swallowing. Editors: Philip C. Doyle and Robert L. Keith. PRO ED, Inc., Austin, 2005; pp. 503-520. ISBN 0-89079-988-1.

40. Hilgers FJM, van As CJ. Postlaryngectomy voice rehabilitation with the consistent use of indwelling voice prostheses. In: Contemporary Considerations in the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Head and Neck Cancer: Voice, Speech and Swallowing. Editors: Philip C. Doyle and Robert L. Keith. PRO ED, Inc., Austin, 2005; pp 453-479. ISBN 0-89079-988-1.
39. Op de Coul BMR, Ackerstaff AH, van As CJ, van den Hoogen FJA, Meeuwis CA, Manni JJ, Hilgers FJM. Quality of life assessment in laryngectomized individuals: do we need additions to standard questionnaires in specific clinical research projects? Clin Otolaryngol 2005;30: 169-175.
38. Hilgers FJM, van As CJ, van Dam FSAM. De gaap-ruikmethode: weer ruiken na een totale laryngectomie. Lopogedie & Foniatrie 2004; 4: 526-530.
37. van As CJ, Op de Coul BRM, Eysholdt U, Hilgers FJM. The value of digital high--speed endoscopy in addition to videofluoroscopy imaging of the neoglottis in tracheoesophageal speech. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 2004: 124: 82-89.
36. Jongmans P, van As C, Pols L, Hilgers F. An introduction to the assessment of intelligibility of tracheoesophageal speech. Institute of Phonetic Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Proceedings 25 (2003), 185–196.
35. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff AH, Balm AJM, van den Brekel MWM, Tan IB, Persson JO. A new problem-solving indwelling voice prosthesis, eliminating frequent candida- and ‘under-pressure’-related replacements: Provox ActiValve. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 2003; 123: 972-979.
34. Brown DH, Hilgers FJ, Irish JC, Balm AJ. Postlaryngectomy voice rehabilitation: state of the art at the millennium. World J Surg 2003: 27: 824-831
33. Op de Coul BMR, van den Hoogen FJA, van As CJ, Marres HAM, Joosten FBM, Manni JJ, Hilgers FJM. Evaluation of the effects of primary myotomy in total laryngectomy on the neoglottis using quantitative videofluoroscopy. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003: 129: 1000-1005.
32. van As CJ, Koopmans-van Beinum FJ, PolsLCW, Hilgers FJM. Perceptual evaluations of tracheoesophageal speech by naive and experienced judges through the use of semantic differential scales. J Speech Lang Hear Res 2003: 46: 947-959.
31. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff AH, van As CJ, Balm AJM, van den Brekel MWM, Tan IB. Development and clinical assessment of a Heat and Moisture Exchanger with a multi-magnet automatic tracheostoma valve (Provox FreeHands HME) for vocal and pulmonary rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 2003; 123: 91-99.

30. Hilgers FJM, van As CJ. Spraakrevalidatie na totale laryngectomie middles stemprothesen. Handboek voor Stem-, Spraak- en Taalpathologie 2002; 18: (B1.3.7.2b) 1-30.
29. Hilgers FJM, Jansen HA, van As CJ, Polak MF, Muller MJ, van Dam FSAM. Long-term results of olfaction rehabilitation in laryngectomized individuals using the nasal airflow-inducing ‘Polite Yawning' maneuver. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002; 128: 648-654.
28. van As CJ, Op de Coul BMR, van den Hoogen FJA, Koopmans-van Beinum FJ, Hilgers FJM. ‘Quantitative videofluoroscopy’: a new evaluation tool for tracheoesophageal voice production. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001; 127: 161-169.
27. M Tigges, T Wittenberg, C van As, U Eysholdt, F Hilgers. Visualization of the Pharyngoesophageal Mucosa during Tracheoesophageal Phonation. In: Vision, Modelling and Visualization 2000: Proceedings; November 22-24, 2000, Saarbrücken, Germany. Ed. Bernd Girod, pp 391-398.
26. OpdeCoul B, Hilgers FJM, Balm AJM, Tan IB, van Tinteren H, van den Hoogen FJA. A decade of postlaryngectomy vocal rehabilitation in 318 patients: a single institution’s experience with consistent application of indwelling voice prostheses (Provox®). Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000; 126: 1320-1328.
25. Hilgers FJM, van Dam FSAM, Keyzers S, Koster MN, van As, Muller MJ. Rehabilitation of olfaction in laryngectomized patients by means of a Nasal Airflow Inducing Manoeuvre: the ‘Polite Yawning’ technique. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000; 126: 726-732.
24. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff AH. Comprehensive rehabilitation after total laryngectomy is more than voice alone. Folia Phon Logop 2000; 52: 65-73.
23. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Meeuwis CA, Knegt PPM, Weenink C. Pulmonary function pre and post total laryngectomy. Clin Otolaryngol 1999; 24: 491-494
22. Van Dam FSAM, Hilgers FJM, Emsbroek G, Touw FI, van As CJ, N de Jong. Deterioration of olfaction and gustation after total laryngectomy. Laryngoscope 1999; 109: 1150-1155.
21. As van CJ, Tigges M, Wittenberg T, Op de Coul BMR, Eysholdt U, Hilgers FJM. High-speed digital imaging of the neoglottic vibration after total laryngectomy. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999; 125: 891-897.

20. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Meeuwis CA, van der Velden LA, van den Hoogen FJA, Marres HAM, Vreeburg GCM, Manni JJ. Multi-institutional assessment of the Provox®2 voice prosthesis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999; 125: 167-173.
19. As van CJ, Hilgers FJM, Koopmans-van Beinum FJ, Ackerstaff AH. The influence of stoma occlusion on aspects of alaryngeal speech. Acta Otolaryngol 1998; 118: 732-738.
18. van As CJ, Hilgers FJM, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM, Koopmans-van Beinum FJ. Acoustical analysis and perceptual evaluation of tracheoesophageal prosthetic voice. J Voice 1998; 12: 239-248.
17. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Balm AJM, Tan IB. Long term compliance of laryngectomized patients with a specialized pulmonary rehabilitation device, Provox® Stomafilter. Laryngoscope 1998; 108: 257-260.
16. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff AH, Balm AJM, Tan IB, Aaronson NK, Persson JO. Development and clinical evaluation of a second generation voice prosthesis (Provox®2) designed for ant8erograde and retrograde insertion. Acta Otolaryngol 1997; 117: 889-96.
15. Hilgers FJM, Hoorweg JJ, Kroon BBR, Schaeffer B, de Boer JB, Balm AJM. Prosthetic voice rehabilitation with the Provox system after extensive pharyngeal resection and reconstruction. In: Jesus Algaba, ed. Surgery and prosthetic voice restoration after total and subtotal laryngectomy. Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Surgical and Prosthetic Voice Restoration after Total Laryngectomy, San Sebastian 29 September 1 October 1995. Excerpta Medica International Congress Series 1112. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Lausanne, New York, Oxford, Shannon, Tokyo. pp 111-120, 1996.
14. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff AH, Balm AJM, Gregor RT. A new heat and moisture exchanger with speech valve (Provox® Stomafilter). Clin Otolaryngol 1996; 21: 414-418.
13. Verschuur HP, Gregor RT, Hilgers FJM, Balm AJM. The tracheostoma in relation to prosthetic voice rehabilitation - How we do it. Laryngoscope 1996; 106: 111-115.
12. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Balm AJM, van Zandwijk N. Long-term pulmonary function after total laryngectomy. Clin Otolaryngol 1995; 20: 547-551.
11. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Aaronson NK, de Boer MF, Meeuwis CA, Knegt PPM, Spoelstra HAA, van Zandwijk N, Balm AJM. Heat and moisture exchangers as a treatment option in the post-operative rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients. Clin Otolaryngol 1995; 20: 504-509.


10. Elias MM, Hilgers FJM, Keus RB, Gregor RT, Hart AAM, Balm AJM. Carcinoma of the hypopharynx; a retrospective analysis of the treatment results over a 20-year period. Clin Otolaryngol 1995; 20: 249-253.
9. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Aaronson NK, Balm AJM. Communication, functional disorders and life-style changes after total laryngectomy. Clin Otolaryngol 1994; 19: 295-300.
8. Hilgers FJM, Balm AJM. Long term results of vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy with the low-resistance, indwelling ProvoxTM voice prosthesis system. Clin Otolaryngol 1993; 18: 517-523.
7. Ackerstaff AH, Souren T, van Zandwijk N, Balm AJM, Hilgers FJM. Improvements in the assessment of pulmonary function in laryngectomized patients. Laryngoscope 1993; 103: 1391-1394.
6. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Aaronson NK, Balm AJM, van Zandwijk N. Improvements in respiratory and psychosocial functioning following total laryngectomy by the use of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1993; 102: 878-883.
5. Hilgers FJM, Cornelissen MW, Balm AJM. Aerodynamic characteristics of the low-resistance, indwelling ProvoxTM voice prosthesis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 1993; 250: 375-378.
4. Hilgers FJM, Aaronson NK, Ackerstaff AH, Schouwenburg PF, van Zandwijk N. The influence of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) on the respiratory symptoms after total laryngectomy. Clin Otolaryngol 1991; 16: 152-156.
3. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJM, Aaronson NK, Schouwenburg PF, van Zandwijk N. Lichamelijke en psychosociale gevolgen van totale larynxextirpatie en het effect van een warmte en vocht wisselaar. [Physical and psychosocial sequelae of total larynx extirpation and the use of a heat and moisture exchanger.] Ned Tijdschr Geneesk 1990; 134: 2438-2442
2. Hilgers FJM, Schouwenburg PF. A new low-resistance, self-retaining prosthesis (ProvoxTM) for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Laryngoscope 1990; 100: 1202-1207.
1. Hilgers FJM, Ackerstaff AH, Aaronson NK, Schouwenburg PF, van Zandwijk N. Physical and psychosocial consequences of total laryngectomy. Clin Otolaryngol 1990; 15: 421-425.


Books:

The Provox system: a practical guide to postlaryngectomy vocal and pulmonary rehabilitation. Editor: Frans J.M. Hilgers. Publisher: The Netherlands Cancer Institute / Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Production: Thesis Publishers, Amsterdam, 1995 (ISBN 90‑75575‑01‑7; NUGI 742). 2
nd edition 1997. 3rd edition 1999 (CD-ROM, ISBN 90-75575-03-3). 4th Edition 2003 (CD Rom: A practical guide to postlaryngectomy rehabilitation, including the Provox system; ISBN 90-75575-05-X)

Reukrevalidatie na totale laryngectomie; een handleiding voor logopedisten (+ CD-rom). Polak MF, van As CJ, van Dam FSAM, Hilgers FJM. Swets en Seidlinger, Lisse; ISBN 90-265-1723-8; 2003. Olfaction regained, using the polite yawning technique (CD-Rom). Editor: Frans JM Hilgers MD, PhD. The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 2004. ISBN 90-75575-07-6.

Inaugural lecture:
Hilgers FJM. Van verbazing naar vanzelfsprekendheid (From astonishing to predictable speech). Inaugural lecture, University of Amsterdam, September 23, 2004. Publisher: Vossiuspers UvA, Amsterdam 2004, pp 1-64. ISBN 90 5629 357 5.