Anterior glottoplasty: the effect of inclusion of the vocal fold lamina propria to frequency elevation

Abstract

Background Anterior glottoplasty is a commonly used treatment for voice feminization. But it remains in dispute over whether to suture of the ligament as part of the procedure. Objectives This study aimed to explore the effect of inclusion of the vocal lamina propia. Material and methods Anterior webs were created in 8 excised canine larynges by sutures placed at 10%, 20%, and 30% of the vocal fold length, respectively. The suture depth was divided into two groups: epithelium layer (Shallow Suture, SS group) and deep layers of vocal fold lamina propia (Deep Suture, DS group). Results For anterior webs between 0% and 30%, the frequency elevation ranged from 3% to 151% of the pre-web fundamental frequency (fo) in SS group and from 13% to 222% in DS group. No significance was found between two groups at three different sutures (p = .486 for suture at 10% of vocal fold length, 0.686 for 20%, 0.886 for 30%, respectively). Conclusions and significance The frequency in excised canine larynx increased continuously as the anterior glottic webs ranged from 0% to 30%. The inclusion of the vocal fold lamina propia does not affect the frequency elevation.