Voice outcome after coblation-assisted microlaryngeal surgery -Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Benign vocal fold lesions are a common laryngeal pathology found in routine clinical practice. Microlaryngeal surgery is useful for excision of the pathology. Coblation-assisted microlaryngeal surgery for benign lesions of the vocal folds is a new technique for the treatment of vocal fold lesions. The objective of this study was to assess the voice outcome following coblation-assisted microlaryngeal surgery for benign vocal fold lesions. It also assessed the vocal fold function after coblation excision of the benign fold lesions by using video stroboscopic analysis. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical retrospective study where 54 patients of benign vocal fold lesions participated. All the 54 patients were selected for coblation-assisted microlaryngeal surgery. Perceptual analysis of voice was done by using GRBAS scoring. The voice analysis was done with the help of PRAAT software (Version 5.3.51) and fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and harmonics to the noise ratio were analyzed. Stroboscopy was done in all cases for evaluating the vocal fold function by using glottic closure and pattern of mucosal wave. All the parameters were analyzed preoperatively and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. Results: The perceptual analysis of voice showed a significant improvement of the GRBAS score after coblation-assisted microlaryngeal surgery (P < 0.001). The acoustic analysis revealed that all parameters improved after surgery (P < 0.001). Stroboscopy findings also SHOWED improved vocal fold functions. Conclusion: Coblation-assisted microlaryngeal surgery is a safe and effective treatment modality for benign vocal fold lesion with excellent voice outcome.