Our Summary

This research investigates the use of a type of ultrasound, cervical ultrasound (CE), in evaluating vocal cords before thyroid surgery. The study involved 86 participants who had no previous issues with their throat or neck. The ultrasound was performed by three different surgeons. To be considered successful, the ultrasound had to clearly show the vocal cords both at rest and while the patient was speaking. The study found that the results of the ultrasound were reliable 60-68% of the time, depending on the surgeon. The average time taken for the procedure was 72 seconds. The study found that it was harder to get reliable ultrasound images in men and older patients. Overall, the research suggests that CE is a quick, non-invasive method that is useful for checking the vocal cords before thyroid surgery, especially in young women.

FAQs

  1. What type of ultrasound was used in the study to evaluate vocal cords before thyroid surgery?
  2. How accurate was the ultrasound in showing the vocal cords both at rest and during speaking?
  3. Did the study find any challenges in getting reliable ultrasound images in certain groups of patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including resting the voice and avoiding activities that strain the vocal cords. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns. Additionally, practicing good vocal hygiene, such as staying hydrated and avoiding irritants like smoking, can help promote optimal healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord cysts, vocal cord hemorrhage, vocal cord cancer, and other conditions that affect the function of the vocal cords. These patients may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, a weak or breathy voice, and vocal fatigue. Vocal cord surgery may be recommended to improve voice quality, restore vocal function, and treat underlying conditions affecting the vocal cords.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking, or voice changes
  • Patient consults with an otolaryngologist (ENT) to discuss treatment options
  • Patient undergoes a laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords and determine the extent of the issue
  • If surgery is recommended, patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery

After vocal cord surgery:

  • Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery, which can involve procedures such as vocal cord injection, laser surgery, or vocal cord reconstruction
  • Patient may experience temporary voice changes, throat pain, or difficulty swallowing immediately after surgery
  • Patient undergoes post-operative follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess vocal cord function
  • Patient may require voice therapy to regain vocal cord function and improve voice quality
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and vocal function improves over time as the vocal cords heal

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of evaluating my vocal cords before thyroid surgery?
  2. How will the cervical ultrasound help in assessing the condition of my vocal cords?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of cervical ultrasound in accurately showing the vocal cords?
  5. How experienced are the surgeons in performing cervical ultrasounds for evaluating vocal cords?
  6. How long does the cervical ultrasound procedure typically take?
  7. Will I need any additional tests or procedures to further evaluate my vocal cords before surgery?
  8. How will the results of the cervical ultrasound impact the surgical approach for my thyroid surgery?
  9. Are there any specific factors, such as gender or age, that may affect the reliability of the ultrasound results for evaluating my vocal cords?
  10. Are there any alternative methods for assessing the condition of my vocal cords before surgery, and if so, how do they compare to cervical ultrasound?

Reference

Authors: Pérez-Sánchez LE, Caballero-Rodríguez E, Orti-Rodríguez R, Soto-Sánchez A, García-Bello MÁ, Jordán-Balanza JC, Barrera-Gómez MÁ. Journal: Cir Esp (Engl Ed). 2022 Dec;100(12):755-761. doi: 10.1016/j.cireng.2022.08.011. Epub 2022 Sep 2. PMID: 36064168