Voice Outcome After Cold Knife Surgery According to the Characteristics of Vocal Fold Polyp

Abstract

Voice change is one of the major symptoms in patients with vocal fold polyp. As a result, phonomicrosurgery is commonly required in these patients. Since voice outcomes after polyp treatment can be variable according to polyp characteristics, we aimed to investigate the predicting factors of postoperative voice improvements in terms of polyp characteristics in patients with vocal fold polyp who underwent cold knife surgery. A total of 77 patients who were diagnosed with vocal fold polyp and underwent phonomicrosurgery with cold knife instruments. The polyp characteristics of color, size, shape, and location were evaluated at baseline. Acoustic and aerodynamic analyses, voice handicap index questionnaire and grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain scale were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks after surgery. All values of postoperative voice parameters improved after cold knife surgery. (P < 0.05) In patient with an organized vocal fold polyp, less improvement in postoperative values of maximum phonation time were observed. (P < 0.05) Likewise, less improvement of voice handicap index questionnaire score and grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain scale after surgery was shown in organized vocal fold polyp. (P < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Among the various polyp characteristics, the organized polyp was significantly related to relatively less improvement of objective and subjective voice parameters after surgery. These polyp characteristics would help to predict postoperative voice improvement and plan for personalized treatment in patients with vocal fold polyp.