Our Summary

This research paper reviews various surgical techniques used to increase the pitch of a person’s voice, with the aim of identifying which is the most effective. They looked at 29 studies, and eventually focused on 13 for a more detailed analysis. They found that different methods work by increasing tension in the vocal cords, shortening the vocal cords, or reducing their mass. The most effective method was found to be shortening the vocal cords. However, the researchers noted that many of these studies had limitations, including small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. They also found that there were inconsistent practices when it came to pre-operation speech therapy, post-operation voice rest, and patient satisfaction surveys.

FAQs

  1. What are the different surgical techniques used to increase the pitch of a person’s voice?
  2. Which method was found to be the most effective in increasing the pitch of a person’s voice?
  3. What were the limitations noted by the researchers in the studies they reviewed?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including voice rest and any recommended speech therapy. It is important to give your vocal cords time to heal properly and to work with a speech therapist to help regain your voice strength and quality. Additionally, be sure to communicate any concerns or changes in your voice to your doctor so they can monitor your progress effectively.

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 vocal fatigue.

  2. Vocal cord paralysis: This can result in a weak or breathy voice, difficulty swallowing, or aspiration of food or liquids.

  3. Vocal cord cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness or a change in voice quality.

  4. Vocal cord cancer: Surgery may be recommended as part of the treatment for vocal cord cancer, along with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

  5. Vocal cord hemorrhage: This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage to the vocal cords.

  6. Vocal cord scarring: Scarring of the vocal cords can result from repeated trauma or surgery, leading to changes in voice quality or difficulty speaking.

  7. Voice disorders: Patients with chronic voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia, spasmodic dysphonia, or vocal fold bowing may benefit from vocal cord surgery to improve their voice quality.

Overall, vocal cord surgery may be recommended for patients who have persistent voice problems that do not improve with voice therapy or other conservative treatments. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a doctor or specialist to discuss voice concerns and potential treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation of their vocal cords, which may include imaging tests or a laryngoscopy.
  3. Patient may undergo speech therapy to prepare for surgery and optimize voice outcomes.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before the procedure.
  5. On the day of surgery, patient receives anesthesia and the surgical procedure is performed to alter the vocal cords.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up from anesthesia and may experience soreness or discomfort in the throat.
  2. Patient is monitored for any complications and may be discharged home the same day or kept overnight for observation.
  3. Patient is advised to rest their voice and avoid talking or singing for a period of time to allow the vocal cords to heal.
  4. Patient may experience temporary changes in voice quality, such as hoarseness or weakness, as the vocal cords recover.
  5. Patient may undergo post-operative follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and assess voice function.
  6. Patient may continue with speech therapy to optimize voice outcomes and learn techniques for voice rehabilitation.
  7. Over time, patient’s voice may improve and return to normal, with the potential for increased pitch or improved vocal quality depending on the surgical technique used.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific surgical technique will be used in my vocal cord surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. Will I need speech therapy before or after the surgery?
  5. How will this surgery affect my voice quality and pitch in the long term?
  6. What is the success rate of this surgery in terms of achieving the desired voice changes?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before proceeding with surgery?
  8. How many of these surgeries have you performed and what is your experience with this specific procedure?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management and discomfort after the surgery?
  10. How will my voice be evaluated and monitored after the surgery to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved?

Reference

Authors: Song TE, Jiang N. Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 May;156(5):803-808. doi: 10.1177/0194599817697050. Epub 2017 Mar 28. PMID: 28349733