Our Summary

This study was conducted in a Nigerian hospital to evaluate how many patients experience changes in their voice after they have their thyroid removed due to non-cancerous growths (goiters). Before the operation, doctors examined each patient’s voice box with a special instrument (laryngoscopy) and assessed their voice quality using a test called the Voice Handicap Index-10. This same assessment was done 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the operation.

In total, 54 patients completed the study. The most common operation was a subtotal thyroidectomy, which means most of the thyroid was removed, but not all. Before the operation, five patients had abnormal findings on their laryngoscopy (like benign vocal cord lesions). After the operation, seven patients were found to have vocal cord paralysis.

About 18.5% of patients had changes in their voice shortly after the operation. However, for half of these patients, their voice returned to normal within three months. For the other half, the changes in their voice persisted.

The study concluded that having your thyroid removed due to non-cancerous growths can lead to temporary changes in your voice. The likelihood of this happening seems to be higher if there are already abnormalities in the voice box before the operation.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of patients experienced changes in their voice after a thyroidectomy?
  2. Does a thyroidectomy due to non-cancerous growths always lead to permanent changes in voice?
  3. How does the presence of abnormalities in the voice box prior to the operation affect the likelihood of voice changes after a thyroidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thyroidectomy is to be aware that there is a possibility of changes in voice after the surgery. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions about potential vocal changes with your healthcare provider before the operation. Additionally, following up with your healthcare provider for regular check-ups and assessments of your voice can help monitor any changes and determine the best course of action if needed.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended thyroidectomy include those with:

  1. Thyroid cancer
  2. Large goiters causing difficulty breathing or swallowing
  3. Hyperthyroidism that does not respond to medication
  4. Thyroid nodules that are suspicious for cancer
  5. Recurrent thyroid nodules
  6. Graves’ disease
  7. Multinodular goiter
  8. Thyroiditis

It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of thyroidectomy with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes examination of voice box with laryngoscopy
  • Voice quality assessment using the Voice Handicap Index-10
  • Doctor determines extent of thyroidectomy needed

After thyroidectomy:

  • 1 week post-op: Voice quality assessment conducted
  • 1 month post-op: Voice quality assessment conducted
  • 3 months post-op: Voice quality assessment conducted
  • Patients may experience changes in voice, with some experiencing vocal cord paralysis
  • Changes in voice may be temporary or persistent

Overall, the study found that 18.5% of patients experienced changes in their voice after thyroidectomy, with half returning to normal within three months and the other half experiencing persistent changes. Abnormalities in the voice box before the operation may increase the likelihood of post-operative voice changes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about thyroidectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a thyroidectomy, including changes in voice quality?
  2. How will my vocal cords be monitored before, during, and after the surgery to prevent any damage?
  3. What can I expect in terms of voice changes following the surgery, and how likely are these changes to be permanent?
  4. Are there any steps I can take to reduce the risk of vocal cord damage during the surgery?
  5. If I experience changes in my voice after the surgery, what treatment options are available to help improve or restore my voice quality?
  6. How long should I expect any vocal changes to persist, and when should I follow up with you if they do not improve?
  7. Are there any lifestyle or dietary changes I should consider post-surgery to support optimal vocal cord health and function?

Reference

Authors: Adeyemo A, Olasehinde O, Owojuyigbe AM, Anagbogu UJ, Ohuche AS, Ajibare A, Amusa YB. Journal: World J Surg. 2023 Mar;47(3):682-689. doi: 10.1007/s00268-022-06858-6. Epub 2022 Dec 8. PMID: 36482080