Our Summary

This research paper studied changes in voice after two common types of thyroid surgery. The surgeries, total thyroidectomy (TT) and completion thyroidectomy (CT), often result in voice changes even when the nerves that control the voice box are not damaged.

The study included 198 patients who all had their surgery performed by the same surgeon. Of these, 126 had a TT and 72 had a CT. The researchers used a variety of methods to assess the patients’ voices and their quality of life before and after surgery.

The results showed that patients who had a CT were more likely to have injury to one of the nerves controlling the voice box. Even without nerve injury, both TT and CT patients had slightly worse voice measurements and reported a slightly worse quality of life compared to healthy people. The voice changes were more pronounced in the CT group.

However, these voice changes did not seem to significantly affect the patients’ daily lives. The findings suggest that CT has a higher risk of causing voice changes than TT. The study highlights the importance of routinely checking voice function before and after thyroid surgery.

FAQs

  1. Does thyroid surgery always result in changes in voice?
  2. What is the difference between total thyroidectomy (TT) and completion thyroidectomy (CT) in terms of voice changes?
  3. How does a change in voice after thyroid surgery affect the quality of life of patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thyroidectomy is to be aware that there may be changes in voice after the surgery, especially with completion thyroidectomy. It is important to monitor voice function before and after the surgery and communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider. Voice changes are common and usually temporary, but it is important to address any persistent issues with your doctor.

Suitable For

Patients who have conditions such as thyroid cancer, Graves’ disease, nodules, or goiter that require surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland are typically recommended thyroidectomy. Additionally, patients who have an overactive thyroid gland that does not respond to medication may also undergo thyroidectomy. Furthermore, patients who have a large thyroid gland that is causing compression of nearby structures such as the trachea or esophagus may also be recommended for thyroidectomy.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  • Patient consults with an endocrinologist or surgeon for evaluation and discussion of treatment options
  • Patient undergoes preoperative testing such as blood work, imaging studies, and possibly a biopsy
  • Patient discusses potential risks and benefits of thyroidectomy with their healthcare provider
  • Patient may need to adjust medications or prepare for surgery with dietary restrictions or other preoperative instructions

After thyroidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland
  • Patient is monitored in the hospital for any immediate complications such as bleeding or damage to nearby structures
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness or changes in voice due to manipulation of the vocal cords during surgery
  • Patient may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their life to maintain normal thyroid function
  • Patient may need to follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring of thyroid function, voice changes, and overall health
  • Patient may experience long-term changes in voice quality, which may require speech therapy or other interventions to improve voice function

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after thyroidectomy involves careful evaluation, preparation, surgery, and postoperative monitoring to ensure the best possible outcomes for the patient’s thyroid health and overall well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thyroidectomy surgery, specifically in relation to changes in voice?

  2. How likely is it that my voice will be affected by the surgery, and what can be done to minimize this risk?

  3. Will I need any follow-up tests or evaluations to monitor my voice function after surgery?

  4. What can I expect in terms of recovery time and when can I expect my voice to return to normal, if it is affected?

  5. Are there any specific exercises or therapies that can help improve my voice if it is affected by the surgery?

  6. How common are voice changes after thyroidectomy, and is there anything I can do to prevent or reduce the likelihood of experiencing them?

  7. Are there any specific factors, such as the type of thyroidectomy or the surgeon’s experience, that may impact the risk of voice changes post-surgery?

  8. How will the potential impact on my voice be taken into consideration when deciding on the type of thyroidectomy that is best for me?

  9. Are there any resources or support groups available for patients who experience voice changes after thyroidectomy surgery?

  10. Can you provide me with more information or refer me to a specialist who can further address any concerns I may have about potential voice changes following thyroidectomy?

Reference

Authors: Minni A, Rosati D, Cavaliere C, Ralli M, Sementilli G, Gallo A, Brozzetti S, Ossola P, Cavallaro G, Bononi M. Journal: Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Sep;100(5_suppl):562S-568S. doi: 10.1177/0145561319886156. Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31801365