Postoperative Maximum Phonation Time Research Articles

A comparative study on the efficacy of different treatment methods for preventing vocal cord adhesion after laser treatment for glottic cancer

Objective:Comparing the primary tumor control, vocal function recovery, postoperative adhesion rate and degree of adhesion in early glottic cancer involving the anterior commissure treated with CO₂ laser staged and lateral surgery, one-stage surgery combined with laryngeal stent placement, and simple CO₂ laser excision. Methods:This study focuses on 83 patients with T1-2N0M0 stage glottic squamous cell carcinoma involving the anterior commissure who underwent CO₂ laser treatment. The study was divided into three groups: Group A with 15 cases, treated with staged resection surgery; Group B with 18 cases, treated with one-stage surgery combined with the placement of a silicone laryngeal stent; and Group C with 50 cases, treated with simple CO₂ laser excision. The Voice Handicap Index-10（VHI-10）, the GRBAS auditory-perceptual assessment, and the maximum phonation time（MPT） were used to evaluate the vocal function of the patients before and six months after surgery. The degree of vocal cord adhesion was assessed using the Cohen classification of vocal cord adhesion. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the differences in each indicator before and after surgery, and the primary tumor control rates among the three groups. Results:Local recurrence occurred in 1 case each in Groups A and B, and in 4 cases in Group C, with no distant metastasis observed. Postoperative vocal cord adhesion of varying degrees occurred in a total of 77 cases, with an adhesion rate of 73.3%（11/15） in Group A, 88.9%（16/18） in Group B, and 100%（50/50） in Group C. The postoperative vocal cord adhesion rate and degree in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B. The postoperative VHI-10 scores in all three groups were significantly increased compared to preoperative scores（P<0.05）, and when compared between groups postoperatively, Group C was significantly worse than Groups A and B （P<0.05）. The postoperative maximum phonation time（MPT） in Group C was significantly reduced compared to preoperative and was markedly shorter than that of Groups A and B postoperatively（P<0.05）. The postoperative grades of G（Grade） and R（roughness） in Group C were significantly higher than preoperatively, indicating a noticeable deterioration in voice quality, and were also significantly worse than those postoperatively in Groups A and B, with all differences（P<0.05）. Conclusion:For early glottic cancer involving the anterior commissure, choosing staged surgery or one-stage surgery combined with the placement of a silicone anterior commissure laryngeal stent were better than simple laser tumor excision in terms of secondary vocal cord adhesion and voice function preservation.

A meta-analysis on the improvement of vocal function in unilateral vocal cord paralysis by reinnervation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve

Objective:To conduct a systematic description and meta-analysis of the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis（UVCP） with recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation through literature search, and to analyze the therapeutic effect of recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation on improving vocal function in UVCP. Methods:Electronic databases Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched using relevant keywords and screened in strict accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and quality evaluations were conducted. Reported treatment outcomes were measured by relevant data extracted from literature, such as auditory perception assessment（GRBAS）, voice handicap index（VHI）, maximal phonation time（MPT）, jitter, shimmer, and noise harmonic ratio（NHR）, etc. Meta-analysis was performed by Revman5.3 and heterogeneity was analyzed using fixed effects or random effects models. Results:Eight articles were included in this study, all of which showed that the postoperative maximum phonation time of patients was significantly prolonged compared to preoperative, while the postoperative GRBAS score, Jitter, Shimmer, and NHR decreased compared to preoperative with statistical significance. Conclusion:The innervation of the internal laryngeal muscle was obtained through the reinnervation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which effectively improved the patient's vocal function and had a good long-term therapeutic effect. Although there was no difference in the efficacy of surgical methods for reconstructing the recurrent laryngeal nerve, the anastomosis between ansa cervicalis nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve is more ideal. Further randomized controlled studies with longer follow-up periods and larger samples will increase the credibility of their effectiveness.

250. CHANGES IN AND CLINICAL UTILITY OF MAXIMUM PHONATION TIME AND REPETITIVE SALIVA SWALLOWING TEST SCORES AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background Postoperative pneumonia in patients with esophageal cancer occurs due to swallowing dysfunction and aspiration. Recently, intervention by speech-language pathologists (STs) has reported to be important for the prevention of postoperative pneumonia. In this study, we report on the perioperative swallowing rehabilitation led by STs at our hospital. In addition, we focused maximum phonation time (MPT) assessment and repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST) as swallowing function assessment methods that can identify patients as high risk for pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of MPT assessment and RSST in patients undergoing oncological esophagectomy. Methods ST intervention was started at the induction of preoperative chemotherapy, and pre-surgical swallowing rehabilitation including oral care, incentive spirometry, abdominal breathing, and breath-hold swallowing was started and continued after surgery. MPT is the longest speech duration after maximal inspiration, and RSST is the number of empty swallowing that can be repeated in 30 seconds. In total, 47 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2020 and 2023 were eligible. The perioperative changes in MPTs and RSST scores were examined. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictive factors of postoperative pneumonia. Results The median MPTs before surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 3, 6, and 10 were 18.4, 7.2, 10.6, and 12.4 s, respectively; postoperative MPTs were significantly lower than preoperative MPT. Meanwhile, there were no significant changes in perioperative RSST scores. A short MPT on POD 6 was one of the independent predictive factors for the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (OR: 12.6, 95%CI: 1.29–123, P = 0.03) in the multivariate analysis. Regarding the onset of postoperative pneumonia, the MPT on POD6 was significantly associated with late-onset pneumonia, but not with early pneumonia (P = 0.02 and P = 0.25, respectively). Conclusion The MPT significantly decreased after esophagectomy. However, the RSST score did not. The MPT on POD6 can be a predictor of postoperative pneumonia. Early resumption of oral intake after esophagectomy might be a risk factor of aspiration pneumonia since expectoration function is not restored, especially in patients with a low MPT on POD 6.

Changes in and clinical utility of maximum phonation time and repetitive saliva swallowing test scores after esophagectomy.

Postoperative pneumonia in patients with esophageal cancer occurs due to swallowing dysfunction and aspiration. Recently, maximum phonation time (MPT) assessment and repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST) have been focused on as swallowing function assessment methods that can identify patients as high risk for pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of MPT assessment and RSST in patients undergoing oncological esophagectomy. In total, 47 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between August 2020 and July 2023 were eligible. The perioperative changes in MPTs and RSST scores were examined. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictive factors of postoperative pneumonia. The median MPTs before surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 3, 6, and 10 were 18.4, 7.2, 10.6, and 12.4s, respectively; postoperative MPTs were significantly lower than preoperative MPT. In addition, the MPT of POD 6 was significantly longer than that of POD 3 (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, there were no significant changes in perioperative RSST scores. Overall, 8 of 47 patients (17.0%) developed pneumonia postoperatively. A short MPT on POD 6 was one of the independent predictive factors for the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (odds ratio: 12.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-123, P = 0.03) in the multivariate analysis. The MPT significantly decreased after esophagectomy. However, the RSST score did not. The MPT on POD6 can be a predictor of postoperative pneumonia.

Association of perioperative oral swallowing function with post-esophagectomy outcomes and nutritional statuses in patients with esophageal cancer.

Dysphagia after esophagectomy is a serious complication; however, no method has been established to accurately assess swallowing function. We evaluated the association of swallowing function tests with patients' post-esophagectomy complications and nutritional statuses. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 95 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy between 2016 and 2021. We performed perioperative swallowing function tests, including the repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST), maximum phonation time (MPT), and laryngeal elevation (LE). Patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) and respiratory complications (RC) had significantly lower postoperative RSST scores than patients without them; the scores in patients with or without anastomotic leakage (AL) were similar. Postoperative MPT in patients with RLNP was shorter than that in patients without RLNP; however, it was similar to that in patients with or without AL and RC. LE was not associated with any complications. Patients with an RSST score ≤2 at 2weeks post-esophagectomy had significant weight loss at 1, 6, and 12months postoperatively compared with patients with an RSST score ≥3. The proportion of patients with severe weight loss (≥20% weight loss) within 1year of esophagectomy was significantly greater in patients with RSST scores ≤2 than in those with RSST scores ≥3. Multivariate analysis showed that an RSST score ≤2 was the only predictor of severe post-esophagectomy weight loss. RSST scoring is a simple tool for evaluating post-esophagectomy swallowing function. A lower RSST score is associated with postoperative RLNP, RC, and poor nutritional status.

Voice outcome after type-1 thyroplasty for unilateral vocal cord paralysis: our experience at tertiary care hospital

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Vocal cord paralysis is a clinical sign caused by paralysis of intrinsic muscles of larynx due to dysfunction of recurrent laryngeal nerve or injury to the vagus nerve. One of the common and effective methods of medialization is by using silicone implants. This study was aimed at prospectively assessing and analysing the vocal outcomes and quality of life of patients in type 1 medialization thyroplasty using silicone implants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Prospective study of 18 months was done on 17 patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Surgical procedure for the patients was standardized by using silicon implant to medialize the cord. The parameters used for the pre and post treatment objective analysis were stroboscopic analysis, psychoacoustic evaluation, maximum phonation time (MPT) and patient’s self-assessment. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; In our study all 17 patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis who were subjected to vocal cord medialization using silicone implant showed a statistically highly significant improvement in all the parameters of assessment. The mean preoperative MPT was 7.260 and post-operative MPT showed significant improvement and was 17.428 seconds. mean preoperative GRBAS score was 11.695 and post-operative was 3.826. Similarly, pre op vocal handicap index was 31.173 which decreased significantly after the procedure was 7.695.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; In the present study, we obtained favourable results of medialization thyroplasty as expressed by objective analysis of voice including GRABS score and acoustic analysis as well as maximum phonation time apart from traditional voice recording.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Arytenoid vertical height discrepancy in predicting outcomes after unilateral vocal cord medialization.

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis is a structural abnormality that often occurs secondary to dysfunction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and typically presents as a breathy voice. Medialization laryngoplasty is a constellation of procedures that improves apposition of the vocal cords. Many patients, however, fail to experience sufficient improvement in vocal quality postoperatively despite apparent glottic closure on stroboscopy. This suggests that asymmetry in other cord characteristics may also have acoustic consequences. Our hypothesis is that arytenoid height symmetry may play a significant role in vocal quality. To our knowledge there are no human observational studies examining this topic. We therefore aimed to correlate asymmetry in arytenoid height and patient-reported satisfaction in voice quality after thyroplasty. Retrospective cohort analysis. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients who underwent medialization thyroplasty at a tertiary Sydney, Australia hospital was performed. Data collected included age, sex, onset of symptoms, as well as well as preoperative and 3-month postoperative maximum phonation time and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Preoperative computed tomography scans were assessed for discrepancy of arytenoid vertical height discrepancy. Twenty-three patients (56.5% female) with mean age of 52.4 ± 14.9 years were included. Most patients underwent injection thyroplasty (78.3%, n = 5), whereas the remaining underwent an open approach. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between increasing height discrepancy and VHI improvement (r = -0.6, P = .003.) Revision surgery was associated with increased height discrepancy. Findings of this study may affect future recommendations to address height discrepancy in surgery to treat unilateral vocal cord paralysis. 3 Laryngoscope, 130:418-422, 2020.

Factors Predicting the Recovery of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis After Thyroidectomy.

We used voice analysis and clinicopathological factors to explore the prognosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis after thyroid surgery. The medical records of 63 females who developed unilateral vocal fold paralysis after thyroidectomy were reviewed. All patients were divided into two groups: those who recovered from vocal fold paralysis and those who did not. We analyzed clinical parameters and voice analysis results in a search for correlations with recovery from paralysis. Of the 63 patients, 37 (58%) recovered from paralysis. A small tumor size, incomplete paralysis, the absence of arytenoid tilting, no compensatory movement of the normal side, lower postoperative shimmer, a higher postoperative maximum phonation time (MPT), and lower postoperative subglottic pressure correlated significantly with recovery from vocal fold paralysis. Multivariate analysis confirmed that the absence of compensatory movement of the normal side on videostroboscopy was independently prognostic. A postoperative MPT of 6.86 appeared to be optimal for prediction of recovery. Most patients recovered within 6months, but those with incomplete paralysis recovered about 3months earlier. At the 12-month follow-up, the thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire scores had returned to preoperative values in only 12 patients (19.0%); 51 patients (81.0%) did not fully recover. Compensatory movement of the normal side evident on videostroboscopy was a poor prognostic factor. Voice analysis can be helpful in counseling vocal fold paralysis patients after thyroidectomy, and early intervention may be considered in patients who are expected to have a poor prognosis.

A comprehensive 6-year retrospective study on medialisation thyroplasty in the Indian population.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a series of patients who have undergone medialisation thyroplasty (with or without arytenoid adduction) at our centre with respect to demographics, aetiology for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, pre- and postoperative maximum phonation time, amount of anterior and posterior medialisation required and complications. A comparative analysis with international studies was also performed. A retrospective analysis was performed on 67 patients, who underwent medialisation thyroplasty at our centre from August 2008 to August 2014. All the medialisation thyroplasty were performed using Netterville's technique. The average anterior medialisation needed was 2.25mm (SD 1.05mm) while the average posterior medialisation needed was 6.75mm (SD 1.79mm). Our study is the first to determine the amount of anterior and posterior medialisation needed in the Indian population. Mean anterior and posterior medialisation required was found to be the same, regardless of the age, gender of the patient and side of surgery.

The Impact of Tonsillectomy With or Without Adenoidectomy on Voice: Acoustic and Aerodynamic Assessments

To study the objective acoustic assessment and aerodynamic assessment of pediatric patients after tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. Prospective cohort study. Pediatric patients who had received tonsillectomy in our department since 2011 October to 2012 September were selected as study objects. The acoustic analysis was performed by the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program and aerodynamic examination was performed by Phonatory Aerodynamic System. The preoperative and postoperative (1month after surgery) data were compared. The postoperative acoustic index had no obvious change compared with the preoperative data. Among the aerodynamic index, postoperative maximum phonation time prolonged and postoperative subglottal pressure decreased comparing with preoperative index. From the aerodynamic point of view, tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy plays a positive role in the improvement of voice production.

A Novel Functional Reconstruction Method for Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer after Vertical Partial Laryngectomy

Background: To evaluate our novel approach to composite reconstruction through combining the myocutaneous flap and free cartilage grafts following resection of recurrent laryngeal cancer. Methods: A vertical incision was made from the thyroid notch to the cricoid cartilage. The myocutaneous flaps below the strap muscle were elevated. The thyroid cartilage was removed sufficiently to secure the required surgical margin. After tumor resection, the composite reconstruction was carried out by combining the myocutaneous flap and free cartilage grafts. At first, small pieces of cartilage were grafted into the paraglottic space and covered with omohyoid muscle. Following this, cartilage approximately 15 mm in length and 3mm in width was inserted along the level of the vocal cord. This cartilage altered the vocal cord plastic protrusion and demonstrated good postoperative vocal function. The flap was fixed to the edge of the laryngeal mucosa. Results: There was neither local infection nor partial wound dehiscence associated with this new procedure. Patients could receive nutrition orally the day after the procedure was performed. In this series, no aspiration was observed. The mean postoperative maximum phonation time (MPT) was 19.5 seconds with good phonation. Conclusion: This novel approach to reconstruction was effective in terms of healing and functional outcomes.

Outcomes of Arytenoid Adduction under Laryngeal Mask Mechanical Ventilation for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Objectives: Arytenoid adduction surgery for the unilateral vocal fold paralysis is usually carried out under intravenous sedation because improvement of the voice evaluable during surgery. In patients preferred for surgery under general anesthesia due to their physical or mental condition, we selected general anesthesia using laryngeal mask mechanical ventilation, and we confirmed the location of the vocal fold during surgery using a flexible fiberscope. To evaluate this procedure of anesthesia, we compared outcomes of the adduction surgeries between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Methods: From September 2012 to August 2013, adduction surgeries were performed in 17 cases under intravenous sedation with spontaneous breathing, and in 5 cases under general anesthesia using laryngeal mask. Pre- and postoperative maximum phonation time (MPT), mean flow ratio (MFR), and voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10) were evaluated. Results: MPT, MFR, and VHI-10 were remarkably improved in all adduction surgery with intravenous sedation cases. In the general anesthesia group, improvement of the factors was also recognized in most cases, but not in all. Conclusions: Adduction surgery under general anesthesia with laryngeal mechanical mask ventilation is a useful tool for the unilateral vocal fold palsy patient. However, even though we checked the position of the vocal fold in surgery, the efficacy of the surgery is not guaranteed in a few cases because the actual voice cannot be evaluated in general anesthesia.

Bridging Gaps Between the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve and Ansa Cervicalis Using Autologous Nerve Grafts

We investigated the clinical efficacy of free nerve grafts in bridging gaps between the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and ansa cervicalis in patients with unilateral RLN injury. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 14 patients who underwent relevant free nerve grafting and assessed the clinical outcomes of this procedure. Between January 2000 and January 2010, 14 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis were enrolled in this study. In all patients, the RLN was resected and free nerve grafts were applied to bridge the gap between the distal stump of the RLN and the anterior root of ansa cervicalis during surgery. Videostroboscopy, acoustic analysis, perceptual evaluation, maximum phonation time (MPT), and laryngeal electromyography (EMG) were performed both preoperatively and postoperatively to assess the clinical outcomes. Videostroboscopic findings showed that glottic closure, vocal fold edge, vocal fold position, phase symmetry, and phase regularity were significantly improved postoperatively (P<0.05), and no paradoxical movements of vocal folds were observed. Perceptual evaluation showed that overall grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain were also significantly decreased postoperatively (P<0.05). The acoustic parameters jitter (local) and shimmer (local) and the mean noise-to-harmonics ratio were significantly lower than the corresponding preoperative values (P<0.05). The postoperative MPT values were also significantly longer than the preoperative values. Laryngeal EMG revealed significant improvement in voluntary motor unit recruitment during phonation postoperatively (P<0.05). Free nerve grafting is an effective procedure in bridging the gap between the RLN and ansa cervicalis in patients with unilateral RLN injury, as well as a safe procedure without obvious morbidity. A satisfactory vocal outcome can be obtained.

Analysis of Pitch Range After Arytenoid Adduction by Fenestration Approach Combined With Type I Thyroplasty for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

The purpose of this study was to determine the postoperative pitch range acquired in cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis, as well as factors affecting outcomes. We analyzed 39 cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis for which surgery was performed between January 2006 and January 2009 and for which pitch ranges and the items listed below were measured preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Arytenoid adduction (AA) and type I thyroplasty were performed simultaneously in all cases regardless of preoperative severity. AA was performed by the fenestration approach as previously reported. In this procedure, the cricoarytenoid and cricothyroid joints are not released. Correlations between pitch range acquired postoperatively and the following items were examined: (1) pre- and postoperative maximum phonation time (MPT), (2) pre- and postoperative mean airflow rate (MFR), and (3) preoperative pitch range. Furthermore, patients were surveyed regarding their ability to sing after surgery, and the pitch range cutoff value dividing ability and inability to sing was calculated. Pitch range increased significantly from 3±4.47 halftones (mean ± standard deviation) preoperatively to 17.5±5.80 halftones postoperatively. Preoperative MPT, MFR, and pitch range did not correlate with postoperative pitch range. Postoperatively, only MPT correlated with the width of postoperative pitch range. Twenty-three of 39 subjects (59%) responded that they were able to sing, and the pitch range cutoff value dividing the two groups was 22 halftones. AA and type I thyroplasty significantly expanded postoperative pitch range. There was no correlation between preoperative severity and width of pitch range acquired postoperatively.

Contralateral ansa cervicalis‐to‐recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis for unilateral vocal fold paralysis: A long‐term outcome analysis of 56 cases

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of contralateral ansa cervicalis-to-recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) anastomosis for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), when the ansa cervicalis on the side of the paralyzed vocal fold was absent or there was any question about its viability. We retrospectively reviewed 56 consecutive cases of delayed laryngeal reinnervation with contralateral ansa cervicalis for UVFP. Between January 1996 and January 2008, a total of 56 UVFP patients were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent contralateral ansa cervicalis-to-RLN anastomosis. Videostroboscopy, acoustic analysis, perceptual evaluation and maximum phonation time (MPT), and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) were performed pre- and postoperatively. Analysis of videostroboscopic findings indicated that the glottic closure, vocal fold edge, vocal fold position, phase symmetry, and regularity were significantly improved (P < .001, post- vs. preoperative). Perceptual evaluation of dysphonia severity showed that overall grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain were also significantly decreased postoperatively (P < .001). Postoperative values of jitter (local), shimmer (local), and mean noise-to-harmonics ratio were significantly lower than the corresponding preoperative values (P < .001). The postoperative MPT value was significantly longer than the preoperative one (P < .001). LEMG showed that there was a significant postoperative improvement in voluntary motor-unit recruitment during phonation (P < .001). In cases with a lack of viable ansa cervicalis on the side of a paralyzed vocal fold, contralateral ansa cervicalis-to-RLN anastomosis is a feasible and effective approach in the treatment of UVFP and can restore physiologic laryngeal phonatory function.

反回神経切除症例に対する音声再建の有用性

Our treatment of choice in voice reconstruction for recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) resection is concurrent nerve reconstruction. If this is not possible, we secondarily inject fat. We studied postoperative voice function and the feasibility of this voice reconstruction treatment strategy. Subjects were 39 patients with advanced thyroid cancer having the primary lesion resected together with RLN between 2001 and 2007. Of these 39, 9 underwent concurrent reconstruction by directly anastomosing the ansa cervicalis to the peripheral RLN. Fat was secondarily injected in 25 and 5 did not undergo any reconstruction. We found that: 1) Postoperative maximum phonation time (MPT), mean flow rate (MFR) and pitch perturbation quotient (PPQ) in the direct anastomosis group were significantly better than in the nonreconstruction group (p < 0.05). 2) Postoperative MPT, MFR, and PPQ in the fat injection group were significantly better than in the nonreconstruction group (p < 0.05). 3) MPT in the fat injection group was significantly better than in the direct anastomosis group one month postoperatively (p = 0.007), although this finding was reversed six months postoperatively (p = 0.08). 4) MFR in the fat injection group tended to be better than the direct anastomosis group one month postoperatively (p = 0.1), although this finding was reversed six months postoperatively (p = 0.1). We thus recommend concurrent voice reconstruction by direct anastomosis in conjuction with nerve resection.

Video‐Assisted Thyroidectomy Significantly Reduces the Risk of Early Postthyroidectomy Voice and Swallowing Symptoms

Voice and swallowing symptoms are frequently reported after thyroidectomy even in absence of objective voice alterations. We evaluated the influence of the video-assisted approach on voice and swallowing outcome of thyroidectomy. Sixty-five patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT) were recruited. Eligibility criteria were: nodule size<or=30 mm, thyroid volume<or=30 ml, no previous neck surgery. Exclusion criteria were: younger than aged 18 years and older than aged 75 years, vocal fold paralysis, history of voice, laryngeal or pulmonary diseases, malignancy other than papillary thyroid carcinoma. Patients were randomized for video-assisted (VAT) or conventional (CT) thyroidectomy. Videostrobolaryngoscopy (VSL), acoustic voice analysis (AVA), and maximum phonation time (MPT) evaluation were performed preoperatively and 3 months after TT. Subjective evaluation of voice (voice impairment score=VIS) and swallowing (swallowing impairment score=SIS) were obtained preoperatively, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after TT. Fifty-three patients completed the postoperative evaluation: 29 in the VAT group, and 24 in the CT group. No laryngeal nerves injury was shown at postoperative VSL. Mean postoperative MPT, F0, Flow, Fhigh, and the number of semitones were significantly reduced in the CT group but not in the VAT group. Mean VIS 3 months after surgery was significantly higher than preoperatively in CT group but not in the VAT group. Mean SIS was significantly decreased 1 and 3 months after VAT but not after CT. The incidence and the severity of early voice and swallowing postthyroidectomy symptoms are significantly reduced in patients who undergo VAT compared with conventional surgery.

Medialization laryngoplasty-A study of 15 cases.

Type I thyroplasty has become a primary surgical choise for voice restoration in patients with glottal incompetence due to vocal cord palsy. In this study 15 such cases of different etiologies were taken up for medializatioin laryngoplasty and their preoperative und post operative. voice assessment were done. We found that there was significant improvement in loudness: hoarseness and breathiness. Postoperative maximum phonation time also increased to normal limits. There were no major complications of the surgery.

Treatment of Vocal Fold Immobility by Glutaraldehyde—Cross-Linked Collagen Injection: Longc-Term Results

Fifty-three cases of unilateral vocal fold immobility treated by glutaraldehyde-cross-linked (GAX) collagen over a 6-year period with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years were reviewed for assessment of the immediate and long-term effects on phonation. The mean amount injected was 1.47 mL. No long-term local or systemic reaction to the collagen was seen. The median preoperative maximum phonation time (MPT) was 7.5 seconds, the median immediate postoperative MPT 12 seconds, and the median long-term postoperative MPT 11 seconds. The median preoperative phonatory quotient (PQ) was 564 mL/s. The median immediate postoperative PQ was 320 mL/s, whereas the median long-term postoperative PQ was 385 mL/s. The quantitative improvement in the voice as measured by the PQ was thus 67% for the short range and 49% for the long range. The decline in the results over time was 20.3%. Vocal frequency analysis showed that the fundamental frequency and harmonics returned and were maintained in the long term for more than 80% of the patients with the help of speech therapy. This relative stability is explained by the findings of previous histological work. The fact that collagen, unlike Teflon, does not cause an inflammatory reaction and the partial maintenance of the improvement achieved, which is to be compared with the instability of the effects produced by resorbable substances, make it the "least objectionable" injectable for the treatment of unilateral glottic fold immobility. One must overcompensate 20% to 30%, given the results of the long-term stability studies.