Our Summary
This research paper is about a study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive procedure called transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography. This procedure is being assessed as an alternative to a more traditional method, videolaryngoscopy, for checking the mobility of vocal cords after thyroid surgery. The aim is to identify any possible nerve damage that may have occurred during the surgery.
The study included 45 adult patients who were scheduled to have thyroid surgery. Before the surgery, the researchers used both the traditional method and the new ultrasonography procedure to check the patients’ vocal cords. After the surgery, they used both methods again to cross-check the results.
The results showed that the new method correctly diagnosed the condition of the vocal cords in most cases. However, it did miss a few cases, particularly when the vocal cords were partially paralysed.
In conclusion, the study suggests that the new procedure can be used as a quick and non-invasive tool to check for post-surgery issues with the vocal cords. However, it may not be as precise as the traditional method in some cases.
FAQs
- What is transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography and why is it being evaluated?
- How does the new ultrasonography procedure compare to the traditional method of videolaryngoscopy in diagnosing post-surgery vocal cord conditions?
- Can transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography detect all cases of vocal cord paralysis after thyroid surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip that a doctor might give a patient undergoing vocal cord surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include resting the voice, avoiding certain foods or activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in voice quality to your healthcare provider so that they can address any issues promptly. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcome from your vocal cord surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are recommended for vocal cord surgery are typically those who have issues with their vocal cords that are affecting their ability to speak or swallow. This can include conditions such as vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord cysts, and vocal cord cancer.
In the context of the study mentioned above, patients who have undergone thyroid surgery are at risk of damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which can lead to vocal cord paralysis. These patients may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or changes in their voice. In such cases, vocal cord surgery may be recommended to help improve vocal cord function and alleviate symptoms.
Overall, patients who are experiencing significant vocal cord issues that are impacting their quality of life and are not improving with non-surgical treatments may be candidates for vocal cord surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a specialist, such as an otolaryngologist (ENT), to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.
Timeline
Before vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, throat pain, and changes in voice quality. They will undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist, including a physical examination, laryngoscopy, and possibly imaging tests.
After vocal cord surgery, the patient will typically experience a sore throat, hoarseness, and difficulty speaking for a few days to a week. They will need to rest their voice and avoid strenuous activities that may strain the vocal cords. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and check for any complications.
Overall, vocal cord surgery can provide relief from symptoms and improve voice quality for patients with vocal cord disorders. With proper care and follow-up, most patients can expect a successful recovery and improved vocal function.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:
- What specific type of vocal cord surgery will I be undergoing?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
- How long is the recovery time after vocal cord surgery?
- Will I need speech therapy or vocal rehabilitation after the surgery?
- What are the success rates of this surgery in terms of improving vocal cord function?
- How will the surgery impact my voice quality and pitch?
- What is the likelihood of nerve damage during the surgery and how is it monitored or addressed?
- Will I need any additional tests or procedures, such as transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography, to check for post-surgery issues with my vocal cords?
- How long will I need to wait before I can resume normal activities, such as speaking and singing?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after vocal cord surgery to ensure a successful recovery?
Reference
Authors: Shah MK, Ghai B, Bhatia N, Verma RK, Panda NK. Journal: Auris Nasus Larynx. 2019 Aug;46(4):593-598. doi: 10.1016/j.anl.2018.12.007. Epub 2018 Dec 19. PMID: 30577987