Comparison of Effects on Voice of Diode Laser and Cold Knife Microlaryngology Techniques for Vocal Fold Polyps

Abstract

To compare the effects on voice of endolaryngeal microsurgery (EMS) with cold instruments and a new method, "diode laser," for vocal fold polyps. Fifty-one patients with vocal fold polyps suffering from dysphonia who were treated in the Erciyes University Department of Otolaryngology were included in the study. Voice analysis was performed in a soundproof room, holding the microphone 15cm away from the patients' mouth and by recording a sustained [a] vowel for at least 10seconds. Fundamental frequency (F0), Jitter, Shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR) parameters were evaluated in terms of vocal analysis. All patients were asked for to fill in a questionnaire, after being informed about the voice handicap index (VHI). EMS was performed with a diode laser and cold knife on 26 and 25 patients, respectively. Patient follow-up was performed 8 weeks after surgery. Changes in F0, Jitter, Shimmer, and NHR values were measured and recorded. VHI was also completed and reassessed. There was a significant difference in each technique's VHI score between the preoperative and postoperative questionnaire (P<0.001). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in VHI scores between two groups (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in voice analysis values measured preoperatively and at the postoperative controls for both groups (P<0.05). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in voice analysis values between two groups (P>0.05). In the treatment of vocal polyps, EMS with both diode laser and traditional cold knife is effective.