Pre and Post-operative Voice Therapy Intervention for Benign Vocal Fold Lesions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Systematic Review. Electronic databases were searched using key terms including dysphonia, phonosurgery, voice therapy and outcomes. Eligible articles were extracted and reviewed by the authors for risk of bias and for information regarding the content, timing and intensity of any pre and post-operative voice therapy intervention. Of the 432 articles identified, 35 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. 5 were RCTs, 2 were individual cohort studies, 1 was a case control study and 26 were case series. There was considerable heterogeneity in participant characteristics. Information was frequently lacking regarding the content timing and intensity of the reported voice therapy intervention, and where present, interventions were highly variable. Reporting in relevant literature is limited in all aspects of content, timing and intensity of intervention. Further intervention development work is required to develop a robust voice therapy treatment intervention for this population, before effectiveness work can commence.