Vocal Polyps Research Articles

The Clinicopathological Study of Benign Lesions of Vocal Cords.

Benign vocal lesions are non-malignant growths of abnormal tissue on the vocal cords. The common benign lesions of vocal cord are singer's nodule, polyps, papilloma, polypoidal degeneration and cysts. The aim of this study was to analyze the demographics such as age, sex, occupation, symptomatology, site of involvement. An objective evaluation of voice handicap was done pre and postoperatively using VHI-10 scale to see improvement in patient's symptoms. In this prospective study, a total of 50 cases were selected with benign lesions in regional hospital of India. The pre and post operative assessment for voice handicap was assessed by VHI-10. Chi square test (SPSS 20.0 version) used to analyze result; value of p<0.05 was taken significant. In this study of 50 patients, the benign lesions were most common in 20-29 age group. Male (70%) outnumbered females (30%). Most common was Vocal polyp (56%), followed by nodule (32%), cyst (10%) and papilloma (2%) respectively. All patients showed improvement after phonosurgery and postoperative speech therapy, being assessed by VHI-10 scale. The benign lesions of vocal cords produces symptoms which can vary from hoarseness to stridor, affect social functioning, work performance. Speech therapy following microlaryngeal surgery forms an essential part of treatment, to avoid recurrence. VHI-10 scale as found to be a useful and convenient tool in measuring patient voice handicap and to see improvement after surgery.

Stroboscopy: an evolving tool for voice analysis in vocal cord pathologies

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Benign vocal fold disease, such as vocal polyp, vocal nodule, intracordal cyst or Reinke’s edema is one of the most common causes which deteriorate the voice. Since 1854 when Manuel Garcia first observed the movement of his own vocal cords using a laryngeal mirror and sunlight as the light source, a number of techniques for demonstrating laryngeal anatomy have evolved. Preoperative evaluation of these lesions initially by indirect laryngoscopy or direct rigid laryngoscopy, gave way to the use of transnasal flexible fibreoptic endoscopy in the eighties. The introduction of the video stroboscope into Otorhinolaryngology practice has revolutionized the assessment of vocal cord pathology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The present study includes a 50 cases of subjects with complain of change of voice coming at department of E.N.T and Head and Neck surgery, at our hospital. A detailed history was taken following which a thorough examination of larynx using appropriate techniques were carried out. Further investigations were done as and when required. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; On stroboscopic examination patients were analyzed on four parameters like, symmetry, amplitude, periodicity and mucosal wave. Observations of periodicity and mucosal wave were significantly different in preoperative and post-operative analysis. Stroboscopic evaluation suggested that preoperatively 50% of the patient were having asymmetricity, decreased amplitude, aperiodicity and absent mucosal wave. On postoperative follow-up at 15 days and 2 months interval almost all the patients got all the parameters near normal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; It was observed that statistical significant difference in pre and postoperative findings of different parameters of voice evaluated using it. We can draw the probable conclusion that video stroboscope proved to be useful and reliable tool for evaluation of the patients with benign vocal cord pathologies as it reflects the change in the all the parameters of voice postoperatively most accurately and promptly. &lt;/p&gt;

Vocal Nodules and Polyps: Clinical and Histological Diagnosis

Vocal Nodules and Polyps: Clinical and Histological Diagnosis

Huge Subglottic Polyp Treated with Tracheotomy and Laryngofissure

Vocal polyps are benign laryngeal lesions which arise from the Reinke’s space abd hoarseness is the most common symptom. However, airway compromised is rarely presented in the vocal polyp. A rare case of large subglottic polyp causing dyspnea is reported. Tracheostomy was performed under local anesthesia and then the mass was resected under general anesthesia using a laryngofissure approach. The dyspnea and hoarseness disappeared after surgery immediately. The histopathological findings indicated a diagnosis of vocal cord polyp with chronic inflammatiuon. We consider that tracheostomy is the safest and most useful procedure to guarantee the upper airway in cases of large vocal polyp showing dyspnea. We hereby report a case of huge subglottic polyp in which a tracheostomy and laryngofissure was required for removing the subglottic mass successfully. Key words: Vocal polyp ㆍ Dyspnea ㆍ Tracheostomy

Changes After Voice Therapy in Acoustic Voice Analysis of Chinese Patients With Voice Disorders

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of voice therapy on patients with voice disorders by comparing the acoustic parameter changes before and after treatment. This is a retrospective study. Forty-five female patients with early-stage vocal nodules or polyps, postoperative patients, and patients with chronic laryngitis were divided into three subgroups. Videostroboscopic, acoustic analysis (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, mean harmonics-to-noise ratio), and maximum phonation time (MPT) were measured before and after treatment. Fifty healthy female volunteers were the control group. After treatment, 24.4% of nodules or polyps had decreased in size, 11.1% of patients with chronic laryngitis and postoperative patients had reduced edema, and the mucosal wave of vocal folds had different degrees of recovery in postoperative patients. All acoustic analysis values and MPT in the patient group were statistically worse than in the control group, except for fundamental frequency before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, the acoustic analysis and MPT values were improved. However, the jitter, mean harmonics-to-noise ratio, and MPT values in the patient group were still worse after voice therapy than in the control group (P < 0.05). Most of acoustic analysis values can be useful as a complementary tool in diagnosis and assessment of voice disorders; however, it is not recommended to use a single parameter to assess voice quality. Voice therapy can improve voice quality in patients with voice disorders, but a period longer than 8 weeks is recommended for these patients.

The adhesion separation operation with CO₂ laser combined withtriamcinolone acetonide vocal cord submucosal injection for the treatment to vocal cord adhesion

Objective:To investigate the effect of adhesion separation operation with CO₂ laser via prop-up laryngoscope combine with triamcinolone acetonide submucosal injection via electrolaryngoscope to vocal cords adhesion.Method:Sixteen cases of vocal cord adhesion patients(2 cases of children,14 cases of adult) were enrolled in the study. Fourteen patients had the history of surgery(Reinke edema,vocal polyp,pediatric laryngeal papilloma,laryngeal cancer),2 cases were diagnosed as laryngeal tuberculosis. Adhesion separation operation and triamcinolone acetonide submucosal injection(once a week,three weeks) were conducted. All patients were examined with electronic laryngoscope every month for six monthes.Result:Fourteen patients had good triangle shape of glottis vocalis and good sound voice. One cases of laryngeal cancer and 1 cases of laryngeal tuberculosis patients still had adhesion in the anterior commissure of the vocal cords,but with the improvement in breathing and pronunciation.Conclusion:Adhesion separation operation with CO₂ laser via prop-up laryngoscope combine with triamcinolone acetonide submucosal injection via electrolaryngoscope were effective for treatment to vocal cord adhesion,whichimprove the patient's breathing and voice with little trauma and few complications.

Aerodynamic Parameters and the Airflow Regression Slope (ARS) in Patients with Vocal Polyps before and after Laryngomicrosurgery according to Perceptual Judgment

Aerodynamic Parameters and the Airflow Regression Slope (ARS) in Patients with Vocal Polyps before and after Laryngomicrosurgery according to Perceptual Judgment

Long-term Surveillance Following Intralesional Steroid Injection for Benign Vocal Fold Lesions

ImportanceThe short-term outcomes of vocal fold steroid injection (VFSI) are well documented. However, few studies have reported the long-term outcomes following VFSI.ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence rates of symptom recurrence and secondary interventions following VFSI for benign vocal fold lesions.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. The cohort included 189 patients with vocal fold lesions who had received VFSI as the primary treatment between August 2011 and September 2013.ExposuresAll participants underwent VFSI.Main Outcomes and MeasuresLong-term surveillance was conducted through structured telephonic interviews and by reviewing medical charts every 6 months over a 2-year period. We assessed the 10-item voice handicap index, dysphonic symptoms, and whether the patients had received any additional interventions after the initial VFSI.ResultsThe 189 participants (32 men and 157 women; mean [SD] age, 39 [10] years [range, 20-74 years] included patients who had undergone VFSI for vocal fold nodules (n = 72), polyps (n = 72), or mucus-retention cysts (n = 45). Following VFSI, 141 patients (74.6%; 23 men and 118 women; mean age, 39 years [range, 20-70 years]) showed positive response (ie, clinically significant symptom resolution without the need for additional procedures) and received long-term surveillance. The median follow-up period was 19.4 months, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up postoperatively within 1 year. The cumulative failure rates (subjective symptom recurrence plus secondary treatments) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after VFSI were 12%, 17%, 24%, and 32%, respectively. When the initial response rate to VFSI (141 of 189, 74.6%) was considered altogether, VFSI remained effective after 2 years in 50% of the initially recruited 189 patients. The highest rate of long-term effectiveness of VFSI occurred in vocal polyps (54%), followed by nodules (49%) and cysts (43%).Conclusions and RelevanceThis study demonstrates that VFSI can be beneficial in managing benign vocal lesions, especially when first-line treatments are unsuitable. However, the long-term results of this study clarify that a substantial number of patients experience symptom recurrence or receive subsequent interventions within 2 years after VFSI; this should be considered in medical decision making.

Clinical Significance of Contralateral Reactive Lesion in Vocal Fold Polyp and Cyst

We investigated the clinical significance of contralateral reactive lesions in patients undergoing laryngeal microsurgery for benign vocal fold lesions such as vocal polyps and cysts. This was a retrospective, single institution cohort study. Patient medical records were reviewed for demographic characteristics; acoustic, aerodynamic, and perceptual analyses; and Voice Handicap Index score before and after laryngeal microsurgery. Definitive diagnoses were made via intraoperative microlaryngoscopic evaluations. Clinical parameters were assessed to identify risk factors for contralateral reactive lesions. We evaluated surgical outcome using voice analysis. We enrolled 268 patients (109 men and 159 women) with benign vocal fold lesions. A total of 195 (72.8%) had a contralateral reactive vocal fold lesion. A multivariable analysis revealed that being a never smoker and having a hoarseness duration ≥6 months, vocal polyps, and small primary lesions were independent risk factors for contralateral reactive lesions (P <0.05). The preoperative perceptual evaluation and maximum phonation time were significantly worse in patients with a contralateral reactive lesion than in those without one (P = 0.014, P = 0.004, respectively). The voice parameters in patients who underwent excision of the contralateral reactive lesion were generally better than those who received conservative treatment, particularly the noise-to-harmonic ratio (P = 0.004). Contralateral reactive vocal fold lesions are frequently detected in patients with vocal polyp and cyst. The reactive lesions had an adverse effect on voice quality. Simultaneous excision of primary and contralateral reactive lesions may be an alternative treatment for better voice outcome.

Vocal Fold Vibration Following Surgical Intervention in Three Vocal Pathologies: A Preliminary Study

High-speed videoendoscopy captures the cycle-to-cycle vibratory motion of each individual vocal fold in normal and severely disordered phonation. Therefore, it provides a direct method to examine the specific vibratory changes following vocal fold surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the vocal fold vibratory pattern changes in the surgically treated pathologic vocal fold and the contralateral vocal fold in three vocal pathologies: vocal polyp (n = 3), paresis or paralysis (n = 3), and scar (n = 3). Digital kymography was used to extract high-speed kymographic vocal fold images at the mid-membranous region of the vocal fold. Spectral analysis was subsequently applied to the digital kymography to quantify the cycle-to-cycle movements of each vocal fold, expressed as a spectrum. Surgical modification resulted in significantly improved spectral power of the treated pathologic vocal fold. Furthermore, the contralateral vocal fold also presented with improved spectral power irrespective of vocal pathology. In comparison with normal vocal fold spectrum, postsurgical vocal fold vibrations continued to demonstrate decreased vibratory amplitude in both vocal folds.

Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Steroid Injection After Microsurgical Removal of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions

This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of immediate intralesional steroid injection in patients undergoing laryngeal microsurgery (LMS) for benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs). This is a single-institution, retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they received adjunctive steroid injection after LMS. We evaluated the outcomes using objective, perceptual voice analysis and videostroboscopy. We also analyzed clinical parameters and identified risk factors associated with persistent dysphonia after LMS. The study included a total of 211 patients with BVFLs (82 men and 129 women), which comprised 136 vocal polyps (64.5%), 49 nodules (23.2%), and 30 cysts (14.2%); 84 patients (39.8 %) had intralesional steroid administration combined with LMS. The overall results for postoperative voice parameters in both groups were significantly improved. On videostroboscopic examination, the rate of recurrent lesions was lower in the group that received adjunctive steroid injection than in the group with only LMS (P = 0.014). In the multivariate analysis, older age (compared to <50 years of age; odds ratio [OR] = 2.697, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.300-5.595, P = 0.008) and duration of hoarseness longer than 6 months (compared to <3 months; OR = 2.729, 95% CI: 1.193-6.242, P = 0.017) were identified as independent risk factors associated with persistent dysphonia. Nevertheless, adjunctive steroid injection was associated with a 0.3-fold (OR = 0.345, 95% CI: 0.152-0.784, P = 0.011) lower risk of persistent dysphonia. Steroid injection combined with LMS in the treatment of BVFLs was safe and associated with improved voice quality.

Computational Modeling of Fluid-Structure-Acoustics Interaction during Voice Production.

The paper presented a three-dimensional, first-principle based fluid–structure–acoustics interaction computer model of voice production, which employed a more realistic human laryngeal and vocal tract geometries. Self-sustained vibrations, important convergent–divergent vibration pattern of the vocal folds, and entrainment of the two dominant vibratory modes were captured. Voice quality-associated parameters including the frequency, open quotient, skewness quotient, and flow rate of the glottal flow waveform were found to be well within the normal physiological ranges. The analogy between the vocal tract and a quarter-wave resonator was demonstrated. The acoustic perturbed flux and pressure inside the glottis were found to be at the same order with their incompressible counterparts, suggesting strong source–filter interactions during voice production. Such high fidelity computational model will be useful for investigating a variety of pathological conditions that involve complex vibrations, such as vocal fold paralysis, vocal nodules, and vocal polyps. The model is also an important step toward a patient-specific surgical planning tool that can serve as a no-risk trial and error platform for different procedures, such as injection of biomaterials and thyroplastic medialization.

Time for Complete Vocal Recovery in Voice Professionals Undergoing Polyp Surgery

Introduction: The voice is an important element for an individual in his personal and professional relationships. By means of it, we convey a message and are able to maintain communication. Some people use it as a working tool; they are called voice professionals and are classified into Koufman’s levels. Improper and strenuous use added to external elements, however, may cause vocal fatigue and when exertion exceeds the compensatory mechanisms, dysphonia by phonotraumatic lesions mainly polyps happen as a result. Aim: To establish a secure parameter for the required time of vocal rest for functional and professional voice recovery after laryngeal microsurgery. Methods: Through objective variables, 68 voice professionals, Koufman’s level I and II with vocal polyps, who underwent laryngeal microsurgery, were selected and compared to 100 people with healthy voice from the preoperative moment up to 3 months postoperatively, based on an acoustic analysis with the shimmer, jitter, NHR and VPQ variables. Results: All variables at 1 month postoperatively were seen to be adequate within normal limits. Conclusion: After the surgical correction of polyps, we found the need for 1 month vocal rest for complete and safe vocal recovery.

Comparison of clinical applications of single-dose intravenous injection of mivacurium and cisatracurium in adults’ vocalcordpolyps resection under self-retaining laryngoscope

Objective: Through comparing the clinical observation of mivacurium and cisatracurium in vocal polyp extraction, to study the advantage of mivacurium in vocal polyp extraction. Methods: Forty American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) physical status I~II patients for vocal polyp extraction, aged 18~60 years old, were randomly divided into two groups as Mivacurium injection group(Group M) and Cis-atracurium injection group(Group C), each group includes 20 subjects. None of the patients are allergic, has serious diseases of cardiovascular system, liver or kidney.None of them has asthma, airway high response, difficult airway or neuromuscular diseases.Those patients who use beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers for a long time were excluded .All the subjects had the same premedication, fasting and fluid fobidden time. All the subjects who get into the operating room get the routine monitoring of electrocardiogram(EEG), blood pressure(BP), heart rate(HR), pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2) and the TOF WATCH SX. Each group gives the same medicine other than the muscle relaxant during induction of general anesthesia to do the vocal polyp extraction by the same experienced operator. Two groups were recorded in each index of anesthesia induction and tracheal intubation conditions, operation conditions, anesthesia, muscle relaxation monitoring. Results: There are no statistically significant in Cormack-Lehane grading system,Cooper’s grading system and operation satifaction(p>0.05). 2. Group A have shorter intubation time than Group B(p 0.05). Conclusion: 1. A single intubating dose of mivacurium can provide similar intubation and surgeon satisfaction for the vocal polyp extraction. 2. Compared with cis-atracurium, mivacurium can shorten the intubation time and the recovery time of anesthesia. The adverse reactions of mivacurium is mild, and it has less Residual muscle relaxation. Therefore mivacurium is more suitable for the vocal polyp extraction than cis-atracurium.

The Correlation between The Size and Location of Vocal Polyp and Voice Quality, Before and After Laryngeal Microsurgery

Background and Objectives Vocal polyps are caused by inflammation induced by stress or irritation. Many patients with vocal polyps complain voice discomfort. For vocal polyps, surgery such as laryngeal microsurgery has been the mainstay of management. We analyzed the clinical features of vocal polyps, and how the size and location of vocal polyps affect the outcomes of surgery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients from March 2014 to December 2015, who were diagnosed as unilateral single vocal polyp. When we operated on a vocal polyp with laryngeal microscopy, we measured their size and location. The quality of voice was evaluated by GRABS scale, jitter, shimmer, NHR (noise to harmonic ratio), MPT (maximum phonation time), and VHI (voice handicap index) before operation and 4 weeks after operation. Results When we divided the patients into large-sized vocal polyp group (the longest length ＞3 mm) and small-sized vocal polyp group (the longest length ≤3 mm), all parameter differences tend to be greater at large sized vocal polyp. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p＞0.05). When we divided into two groups depending on the volume of vocal polyp, no distinct tendency was found. When we compared the location (anterior, mid and posterior) of vocal polyp with the improvement of voice quality, more change was found at mid portion vocal polyp, except the difference of VHI. However, these differences were also not statistically significant (p＞0.05). Conclusion All parameter differences tend to be greater at large vocal polyp and polyp of the mid location. Key words: Vocal polyp ㆍ Laryngeal microsurgery ㆍ Aerodynamic analysis ㆍ Acoustic analysis ㆍ Voice handicap index 핵심용어: ì„±ëŒ€ìš©ì¢ ã† í›„ë‘ë¯¸ì„¸ìˆ˜ìˆ ã† 공기역학 검사 ㆍ ìŒí–¥í•™ì  분석 ㆍ ìŒì„±ìž¥ì• ì§€ìˆ˜

Real-time Simultaneous DKG and 2D DKG Using High-speed Digital Camera

For the evaluation of voice disorders, direct observation of vocal cord vibration is important. Among the various methods, laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) is widely used, but it was not a true image because it collects images from different cycles. In contrast, high-speed videoendoscopy and videokymography have much higher frame rates and can assess functional and mobility disorders. The purpose of the study is to describe real-time, simultaneous digital kymography (DKG), two-dimensional scanning (2D) DKG, and multi-frame (MF) LVS system using a high-speed digital camera, and identify the efficacy of this system in evaluating vibratory patterns of pathologic voice. The pattern of vocal fold vibration was evaluated in a vocally healthy subject and in subjects with vocal polyp, vocal nodules, vocal cord scar, and vocal cord paralysis. We used both quantitative (left-right phase symmetry, amplitude symmetry index) and qualitative (anterior-posterior phase symmetry) parameters for assessment of vocal fold vibration. Our system could record videos within seconds and required relatively little memory. The speed of replay in the DKG, 2D DKG, MF LVS, and high-speed videoendoscopy was controllable. The number of frame per cycle with MF LVS was almost the same as the fundamental frequency. Our system can provide images of various modalities simultaneously in real time and analyze morphological and functional vibratory patterns. It can be possible to provide a greater level of information for the diagnosis and treatment of vibratory disorders.

Accuracy of Acoustic Analysis Measurements in the Evaluation of Patients With Different Laryngeal Diagnoses

This study aims to investigate the accuracy of acoustic measures in discriminating between patients with different laryngeal diagnoses. The study design is descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective. A total of 279 female patients participated in the research. Acoustic measures of the mean and standard deviation (SD) values of the fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, and glottal to noise excitation (GNE) were extracted from the emission of the vowel /ε/. Isolated acoustic measures do not demonstrate adequate performance in discriminating patients with and without laryngeal alteration. The combination of GNE, SD of the F0, jitter, and shimmer improved the ability to classify patients with and without laryngeal alteration. In isolation, the SD of the F0, shimmer, and GNE presented acceptable performance in discriminating individuals with different laryngeal diagnoses. The combination of acoustic measurements caused discrete improvement in performance of the classifier to discriminate healthy larynx vs vocal polyp (SD of the F0, shimmer, and GNE), healthy larynx vs unilateral vocal fold paralysis (SD of the F0 and jitter), healthy larynx vs vocal nodules (SD of the F0 and jitter), healthy larynx vs sulcus vocalis (SD of the F0 and shimmer), and healthy larynx vs voice disorder due to gastroesophageal reflux (F0 mean, jitter, and shimmer). Isolated acoustic measures do not demonstrate adequate performance in discriminating patients with and without laryngeal alteration, although they present acceptable performance in classifying different laryngeal diagnoses. Combined acoustic measures present an acceptable capacity to discriminate between the presence and the absence of laryngeal alteration and to differentiate several laryngeal diagnoses.

성대용종 환자의 후두미세수술 전후 공기역학 변수 변화

성대용종 환자의 후두미세수술 전후 공기역학 변수 변화

Treatment for Vocal Polyps: Lips and Tongue Trill

Vocal polyps do not have a well-defined therapeutic indication. The recommended treatment is often laryngeal microsurgery, followed by postoperative speech therapy. Speech therapy as the initial treatment for polyps is a new concept and aims to modify inappropriate vocal behavior, adjust the voice quality, and encourage regression of the lesion. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the sonorous lips and tongue trill technique in the treatment of vocal polyps. The sample consisted of 10 adults diagnosed with a polyp who were divided into two subgroups: treatment and control. Ten speech therapy sessions were conducted, each lasting 30-45 minutes, based on the sonorous lips and tongue trill technique, accompanied by continuous guidance about vocal health. Speech therapy was effective in three of the five participants. The number of symptoms presented by the participants decreased significantly after voice therapy (P = 0.034) and vocal self-evaluation (P = 0.034). The acoustic evaluation showed improvements in parameters of noise values (P = 0.028) and jitter (P = 0.034). The size of the polyp and the degree of severity of dysphonia, hoarseness, and breathiness showed a significant reduction after treatment (P = 0.043). Among the remaining two participants, one opted out of laryngeal surgery, indicating that the improvement obtained was sufficient to avoid surgery. The sonorous lips and tongue trill technique was thus considered effective in 60% of the participants, and as laryngeal surgery was avoided in 80% of them, it should be considered a treatment option for vocal polyps.

Surgical Management of Phonotraumatic Lesions: Current Techniques

Purpose of Review Recurrent phonotrauma can lead to chronic mucosal damage and the development of benign lesions such as vocal nodules, polyps, and cysts. Traditionally, voice therapy with Speech and Language Pathology has been the mainstay for treatment of these lesions. However, surgical management is frequently employed in those lesions that persist in spite of therapy.