Our Summary

This research paper is about using ultrasound to visualize children’s vocal cord movements. The aim was to see if this method could accurately detect any problems with the vocal cords, especially in situations like after thyroid surgery or when there are concerns about a child’s airway, voice, or swallowing. In the study, video recordings of the ultrasound and another method, flexible laryngoscopy (a standard procedure where a thin instrument with a camera is used to look at the vocal cords), were assessed by two specialists.

The study found that ultrasound was able to successfully show the vocal cord movements in nearly all of the 83 assessments done. When compared with the standard laryngoscopy, the ultrasound method was quite accurate (53-83% sensitivity and 97-98% specificity) in diagnosing if a vocal cord was paralysed. The method was also able to detect uneven vocal cord movement with a sensitivity of 56-88% and a specificity of 99%. However, the ultrasound method had some limitations when it came to assessing both vocal cords being paralysed, and its accuracy depended on who was observing the results.

In simple terms, this study shows that ultrasound could potentially be a good way to check children’s vocal cords, especially when looking for any paralysis. It is quite accurate, but its effectiveness can depend on who is doing the analysis and it might not be the best method if both vocal cords are paralyzed.

FAQs

  1. Can ultrasound effectively visualize children’s vocal cord movements?
  2. How does the accuracy of ultrasound compare to the standard laryngoscopy in diagnosing vocal cord paralysis?
  3. What limitations does the ultrasound method have in assessing vocal cord paralysis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing vocal cord surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include avoiding speaking or singing for a certain period of time, staying hydrated, avoiding irritants like smoking or excessive talking, and attending all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure proper healing. Additionally, vocal therapy may be recommended to help strengthen and improve vocal cord function after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended vocal cord surgery include those with vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord cysts, vocal cord cancer, or other structural abnormalities of the vocal cords. Additionally, patients with conditions such as laryngeal stenosis, laryngeal papillomatosis, or vocal cord dysfunction may also benefit from vocal cord surgery. Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments such as voice therapy or medications have not been successful in improving vocal cord function. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition.

Timeline

  1. Before vocal cord surgery:
  • Patient may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, voice fatigue, difficulty breathing, or swallowing issues.
  • Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by a specialist, which may include a laryngoscopy to assess the vocal cords.
  • If vocal cord surgery is recommended, patient undergoes pre-operative preparation and consultation with the surgical team.
  1. Vocal cord surgery:
  • Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery, which may involve procedures such as vocal cord augmentation, vocal cord injection, or vocal cord paralysis treatment.
  • Surgery is performed by a specialist, and the patient is closely monitored during and after the procedure.
  1. After vocal cord surgery:
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness, throat discomfort, or difficulty speaking immediately after surgery.
  • Patient undergoes post-operative care, which may include voice therapy, vocal rest, and follow-up appointments with the surgical team.
  • Patient gradually resumes normal voice use and activities as directed by the surgical team.
  • Patient undergoes post-operative evaluation to assess the success of the surgery and any improvements in voice quality or function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:

  1. What specific type of vocal cord surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after vocal cord surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need speech therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after vocal cord surgery?
  5. Can you provide me with information on the success rate of this type of surgery for my condition?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to vocal cord surgery that I should consider?
  7. What will the procedure be like and what type of anesthesia will be used?
  8. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  9. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to ensure a successful recovery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after vocal cord surgery?

Reference

Authors: Friesen TL, Cahill GL, Brigger MT, Naheedy J, Zhang X, Jiang W. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Aug;159:111193. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111193. Epub 2022 Jun 2. PMID: 35724492