Thyroidectomy-related Voice Questionnaire Research Articles

Voice- and swallowing-related symptoms after total thyroidectomy: evidence from a Brazilian national survey

ABSTRACT Purpose: to estimate the prevalence of voice- and swallowing-related symptoms in women submitted to total thyroidectomy. Methods: a population-based, observational, cross-sectional, analytical study, based on a Brazilian national survey. A total of 252 women, aged 18 to 58 years, submitted to total thyroidectomy, residing in the five geographical regions of the country participated in the study. All of them answered the version of the Thyroidectomy-Related Voice Questionnaire translated and adapted into Brazilian Portuguese, besides questions on demographic and clinical issues. A descriptive analysis of the categorical and quantitative variables was conducted. The relationship between the total TVQ score and the independent variables was analyzed with the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The significance level used was 5%. Results: the most prevalent symptoms were, tired voice, after talking for a long time (50%), and dry mouth/thirst (43.3%). The voice-related symptoms were more prevalent than those related to swallowing. The total TVQ score was not related to age group (p=0.141), profession (p=0.213), region of residence (p=0.303), time since surgery (p=0.955), and radiotherapy/radioiodine therapy (p=0.666). Conclusion: Brazilian women submitted to total thyroidectomy have a high prevalence of voice- and swallowing-related symptoms, the former being predominant.

Voice change after thyroidectomy without vocal cord paralysis: Analysis of 2,297 thyroidectomy patients

BackgroundSome patients experience long-term voice change after thyroidectomy. One of the most common symptoms of voice change is pitch lowering, which is closely related to unfavorable voice quality. Here we observed voice outcomes for 6 months of follow-up after thyroidectomy to identify factors closely related to low-pitched voice. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 2,297 patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2014 and December 2017. All the patients had their vocal status examined using videostroboscopy, acoustic voice analyses, aerodynamic study, and Thyroidectomy-Related Voice Questionnaire scores. We stratified patients into 2 groups (low-pitched voice versus favorable voice) according to pitch lowering (reduction in speaking fundamental frequency ≥12 Hz 1 month after thyroidectomy compared to the preoperative value). We compared preoperative data with postoperative data collected 1, 3, and 6 months after thyroidectomy to identify factors contributing to low-pitched voice. ResultsUnivariate logistic regression analyses showed that factors related to low-pitched voice were female sex, older age, low body weight, short stature, and a high positive lymph node ratio. Multivariate analyses showed that female sex and older age were significantly associated with a negative prognosis for low-pitched voice 1 month after thyroidectomy (odds ratios 0.41 and 1.04, respectively; P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curves for predicting sustained low-pitched voice during 6 months showed that speaking fundamental frequency ≥12.48 Hz 1 month after thyroidectomy was the optimal cutoff value, with 87.9% sensitivity and 95.8% specificity (P < .001). ConclusionFemale sex and older age are strongly associated with increased risk for low-pitched voice after thyroidectomy. Speaking fundamental frequency ≥12.48 Hz 1 month after thyroidectomy can be used to predict sustained low-pitched voice after thyroidectomy

Can Voice Pitch Be Preserved in Patients after Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach?

Introduction: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has become increasingly popular. Several reports have emphasized the safety and efficacy of this new approach. However, there is no report on functional voice outcomes, including voice pitch change after TOETVA. Methods: The functional voice outcomes of patients undergoing TOETVA were compared with those of patients undergoing conventional thyroidectomy. A total of 82 consecutive patients were included in the study: 44 underwent thyroid lobectomy via TOETVA (transoral group) and 38 underwent thyroid lobectomy via the classic cervical approach (open group). Thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire (TVQ), perceptual voice analysis, fiberoptic laryngoscopic and videolaryngostroboscopic examinations, and acoustic analysis were carried out before and one month after surgery. The changes in these values after surgery and the differences between the transoral and open groups were analyzed. Results: We found no significant postoperative change in voice workups in either group. The mean high pitch decreased (from 367.91 ± 120.98 to 325.80 ± 100.86 Hz, p = 0.069) in the transoral group, but statistical significance was not attained. Clinically significant changes in pitch (postoperative change in speaking fundamental frequency, ΔSFF ≥ 12) after surgery were evident in seven (15.91%) patients in the transoral group and eight (21.05%) patients in the open group without significant difference (p = 0.579). Conclusions: This is the first study to assess functional voice outcomes (including pitch) after TOETVA compared with conventional open surgery. TOETVA was associated with good voice outcomes without any significant drop in pitch.

Clinical Significance of the Preoperative Thyroidectomy-Related Voice Questionnaire Score in Thyroid Surgery

The thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire (TVQ) is an efficient screening tool for detecting postoperative vocal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to confirm the significance of the preoperative TVQ score in thyroid surgery. We examined 180 women who underwent total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection from March 2014 to May 2016. Based on the preoperative TVQ score, participants were categorized under "normal" (TVQ score <5) and "abnormal" (TVQ score ≥5) groups. The laryngoscopic examination and acoustic analysis were performed and the TVQ score assessed before and after surgery (2 weeks, 2 months, and 8 months). In the normal group, the TVQ score increased up to 2 months postoperatively and had decreased at 8 months postoperatively but was significantly higher than the preoperative TVQ score. In the abnormal group, the TVQ score increased up to 2 months postoperatively but had recovered similar to the preoperative TVQ score 8 months postoperatively. The preoperative TVQ score in the abnormal group moderately correlated with the final TVQ score; however, the preoperative TVQ score in the normal group did not correlate with the TVQ score 8 months postoperatively. During preoperative patient counseling, it is important to explain that voice changes without vocal cord palsy may occur postoperatively and that it may take a long time to resolve, particularly in patients with a normal preoperative TVQ score.

Long-Lasting Voice-Related Symptoms in Patients Without Vocal Cord Palsy After Thyroidectomy.

Some patients complain of long-lasting voice symptoms after thyroid surgery without objective vocal fold pathology. We assessed the factors that may influence voice symptoms more than 12months after thyroidectomy. We performed a retrospective analysis of 68 patients from July 2010 to May 2012. The voices of all patients were analyzed before and after thyroid surgery (2weeks and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12months after surgery). According to the recovery of postoperative voice symptoms, patients were divided into two groups: the non-recovery group and the recovery group. Voice symptoms were measured using a thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire (TVQ). We compared voice analysis data for each group and investigated the factors related to long-lasting postoperative voice symptoms. Forty-nine patients were included in the recovery group, and 19 patients were included in the non-recovery group. No differences in sex ratio, tumor size, and surgical extent were found between the groups. However, the proportion of professional voice users (odds ratio 4.121; 95% confidence interval 0.983-17.267; p<0.043) was significantly higher in the non-recovery group. The cutoff score of the TVQ, at 2months after thyroid surgery, for the differentiation of the recovery and non-recovery groups was 25, and the sensitivity and specificity values were 84.2 and 87.8%, respectively. Professional voice users may be presented long-lasting voice symptoms after thyroid surgery. The cutoff TVQ score of 25, at 2months after thyroid surgery, may be a guideline for counseling patients who have voice symptoms.

Therapeutic Decision Making of the Unilateral Vocal Cord Palsy after Thyroidectomy Using Thyroidectomy‐Related Voice Questionnaire

Objectives: Investigate the efficacy of early management of post-thyroidectomy unilateral vocal cord palsy (UVCP) and the clinical utility of the thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire (TVQ) when planning UVCP treatment. Methods: The study group comprised 48 consecutive patients diagnosed with UVCP after thyroidectomy. Laryngoscopic examination and voice analysis were conducted, and the TVQ was administered pre-thyroidectomy and at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-thyroidectomy. Twenty-five patients with aspiration symptoms and severe vocal difficulties received injection laryngoplasty, and 23 with no aspiration symptoms and relatively mild vocal difficulties underwent voice therapy. We performed a video fluoroscopic swallowing study on each patient 2 weeks after thyroidectomy and 1 month following the procedure. Results: The average total TVQ scores 2 weeks afterthyroidectomy were 51.92 ± 11.42 in the injection laryngoplasty group and 35.78 ± 12.99 in the voice therapy group. Both subjective and objective parameters improved significantly at 1 month after treatment and continued to improve slowly over the next 12 months ( P &lt; .01) in both groups. TVQ scores were significantly lower in the injection laryngoplasty group than in the voice therapy group 1 month post-intervention ( P &lt; .01). At the study end point, the greatest improvement in subjective symptoms occurred in temporary VCP patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty. The optimal TVQ score cutoff distinguishing the 2 groups was 45 (68.0% sensitivity, 78.3% specificity). Conclusions: Early management following timely diagnosis of post-thyroidectomy UVCP can improve symptoms within 1 month. Moreover, application of TVQ will aid clinicians to plan treatment for postoperative VCP patients.

How Can We Screen Voice Problems Effectively in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery?

Objectives: We designed this study to develop an efficient and cost-effective screening tool for detecting voice disorders following thyroidectomy. Methods: We developed the Perioperative Voice-Screening Protocol for Thyroid Surgery (PVST) using the Thyroidectomy-Related Voice Questionnaire (TVQ) to provide a cost-effective diagnostic flow sheet for patients following thyroidectomy. The TVQ is a simple questionnaire that was developed at our institution and has already demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting pre- and post-thyroidectomy voice-related disorders in our previous studies. To investigate the PVST, we enrolled 242 subjects who underwent thyroidectomy and let them follow the PVST. All subjects underwent a voice work-up by a voice specialist to verify the predictive value of the protocol. Results: Using PVST, we could effectively screen for abnormal preoperative laryngeal findings with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.1% and 50.5%, respectively, especially laryngeal benign mucosal disease with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 45.6%, respectively. We could also screen for postoperative voice-related problems with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 50.4% for detecting vocal cord palsy, and 66.7% and 51.2% for detecting a low-pitched voice, respectively. When all 242 patients followed the protocol, US $42,768 would be saved, and the PVST was estimated to decrease costs by 43.5%. Conclusions: The PVST is a reliable and cost-effective perioperative screening tool that enables thyroid surgeons to detect patients with voice problems in their routine outpatient clinic for early and appropriate referral to voice specialists.

The therapeutic decision making of the unilateral vocal cord palsy after thyroidectomy using thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire (TVQ)

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of early management of post-thyroidectomy unilateral vocal cord palsy (UVCP) and the clinical utility of the thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire (TVQ) when planning UVCP treatment. The study group comprised 48 consecutive patients diagnosed with UVCP after thyroidectomy. Laryngoscopic examination and voice analysis were conducted, and the TVQ was administered pre-thyroidectomy and at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-thyroidectomy. Twenty-five patients with aspiration symptoms and severe vocal difficulties received injection laryngoplasty, and 23 with no aspiration symptoms and relatively mild vocal difficulties underwent voice therapy. We performed a video fluoroscopic swallowing study on each patient 2 weeks after thyroidectomy and 1 month following the procedure. The average total TVQ scores 2 weeks post-thyroidectomy were 51.92 ± 11.42 in the injection laryngoplasty group and 35.78 ± 12.99 in the voice therapy group. Both subjective and objective parameters improved significantly at 1 month after treatment and continued to improve slowly over the next 12 months (p < 0.01) in both groups. TVQ scores were significantly lower in the injection laryngoplasty group than in the voice therapy group 1 month post-intervention (p < 0.01). At the study end point, the greatest improvement in subjective symptoms occurred in temporary VCP patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty. The optimal TVQ score cut-off distinguishing the two groups was 45 (68.0 % sensitivity, 78.3 % specificity). In conclusion, early management following timely diagnosis of post-thyroidectomy UVCP can improve symptoms within 1 month. Moreover, application of TVQ will aid clinicians to plan treatment for postoperative VCP patients.

How Can We Screen Voice Problems Effectively in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery?

Voice problems following thyroid surgery are well known, and perioperative voice analysis in patients undergoing thyroidectomy no longer seems optional. However, multiple means of assessing vocal function are time-consuming, require specific instruments and specialists, and increase costs. Therefore, we designed this study to develop an efficient and cost-effective screening tool for detecting voice disorders following thyroidectomy. We developed the Perioperative Voice-Screening Protocol for Thyroid Surgery (PVST) using the Thyroidectomy-Related Voice Questionnaire (TVQ) to provide a cost-effective diagnostic flow chart for patients following thyroidectomy. The TVQ is a simple questionnaire that was developed at our institution and has already demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting pre- and postthyroidectomy voice-related disorders in our previous studies. To investigate the PVST, we enrolled 242 subjects who underwent thyroidectomy and let them follow the PVST. All subjects underwent a voice work-up by a voice specialist to verify the predictive value of the protocol. Using PVST, we could effectively screen for abnormal preoperative laryngeal findings with sensitivity and specificity of 82.1% and 50.5%, respectively, especially laryngeal benign mucosal disease with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 45.6%, respectively. We could also screen for postoperative voice-related problems with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 50.4% for detecting vocal-cord palsy, and 66.7% and 51.2% for detecting a low-pitched voice, respectively. If all 242 patients followed the protocol, US $42,768 would be saved, and the PVST was estimated to decrease costs by 43.5%. The PVST is a reliable and cost-effective perioperative screening tool that enables thyroid surgeons to detect patients with voice problems in their routine outpatient clinic for early and appropriate referral to voice specialists.

Early Postoperative Vocal Function Evaluation After Thyroidectomy Using Thyroidectomy Related Voice Questionnaire

The objectives of this study were to evaluate a screening method for detecting postoperative vocal cord palsy and lower-pitched voice and to identify how a pre-thyroidectomy laryngeal disorder affects post-thyroidectomy voice change by using our subjective voice questionnaire. We examined 300 consecutive patients scheduled to undergo thyroidectomies between November 2010 and August 2011. Laryngoscopic examination, thyroidectomy-related voice questionnaire (TVQ) administration, and acoustic and perceptual analyses were performed preoperatively and 2 weeks after thyroidectomy. Ninety-eight (32.6 %) patients had a preoperative laryngeal disorder. Postoperatively, 31 (10.3 %) patients had vocal cord palsy and 54 (18 %) had a lower-pitched voice 2 weeks after thyroidectomy. Postoperative TVQs classified 25 (8.4 %) patients as normal and 275 (91.6 %) patients as abnormal, including 79 (26.3 %) mild, 131 (43.6 %) moderate, and 65 (21.6 %) severe cases. Of the patients with vocal cord palsy, 80.6 % belonged to the severe group, and 92.6 % of patients with lower-pitched voices belonged to the moderate and severe groups. Fundamental frequency and speaking fundamental frequency were decreased significantly in women. The most efficient TVQ cutoff values for detecting post-thyroidectomy vocal cord palsy and postoperative lower-pitched voice were 35 (87.1 % sensitivity, 79.9 % specificity) and 25 (75.9 % sensitivity, 56.5 % specificity), respectively. Total TVQ scores increased more in the nonlaryngeal than in the laryngeal disorder group. During the early postoperative period, 28.3 % of patients had vocal cord palsy or lower-pitched voices, which could be evaluated using a simple questionnaire. Therefore, early postoperative voice evaluation is important. Patients with nonlaryngeal disorders may be more sensitive than those with laryngeal disorders to laryngeal symptoms.