Our Summary

This research paper is reviewing the recent advancements in the treatment of throat related diseases that can be performed in a doctor’s office rather than in a surgical setting. With the development of certain tools like the distal chip endoscopes, doctors can now perform certain procedures like flexible endoscopic biopsy, vocal cord injections and laser surgery right in their clinics. These procedures are done under local anesthesia and are well-tolerated by patients. The paper suggests that such office-based procedures are not only fast and timely, but they also offer medical and economic benefits compared to procedures performed in an operation room.

FAQs

  1. What recent advancements have been made in the treatment of throat related diseases?
  2. What procedures can now be performed in a doctor’s office rather than in a surgical setting?
  3. What are the benefits of office-based procedures compared to those performed in an operation room?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, staying well-hydrated, and following any prescribed medication regimens. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor recovery progress and address any concerns. Additionally, speech therapy may be recommended to help improve vocal cord function and enhance overall recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with:

  1. Vocal cord nodules or polyps: These are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness, breathiness, or a rough voice. Surgery may be recommended to remove these growths and improve vocal function.

  2. Vocal cord paralysis: This condition can cause difficulty speaking or swallowing due to one or both vocal cords not moving properly. Surgery may be recommended to reposition the vocal cords and restore function.

  3. Vocal cord cancer: Surgery may be recommended for patients with vocal cord cancer to remove the cancerous tissue and prevent it from spreading.

  4. Laryngeal stenosis: This narrowing of the airway in the larynx can cause breathing difficulties. Surgery may be recommended to widen the airway and improve breathing.

  5. Vocal cord trauma: In cases of severe vocal cord injury, surgery may be recommended to repair the damaged tissue and restore vocal function.

It is important for patients to consult with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine if vocal cord surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking, throat pain or discomfort, and/or changes in voice quality.
  2. Patient visits an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
  3. ENT specialist may recommend voice therapy or other non-surgical treatments first to improve vocal cord function.
  4. If conservative treatments are not effective, ENT specialist may recommend vocal cord surgery as a last resort.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia.
  2. The procedure may involve vocal cord injections, laser surgery, or other minimally invasive techniques to correct vocal cord issues.
  3. Patient may experience temporary hoarseness, throat pain, and/or difficulty speaking immediately after surgery.
  4. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the ENT specialist, including voice rest and vocal exercises.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and ensure proper healing of the vocal cords.
  6. Patient gradually regains normal voice function and quality over time, with the potential for improved voice clarity and reduced symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of vocal cord surgery do I need and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this surgery and what should I expect in terms of outcomes?
  4. How long is the recovery period and what kind of post-operative care will be required?
  5. Will I need speech therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive options available for my condition?
  7. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  8. What are the costs associated with the surgery and will my insurance cover it?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the surgery?
  10. How soon can I expect to see improvement in my voice and overall condition after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Wellenstein DJ, Schutte HW, Takes RP, Honings J, Marres HAM, Burns JA, van den Broek GB. Journal: J Voice. 2018 Jul;32(4):502-513. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2017.07.018. Epub 2017 Sep 19. PMID: 28935210