Our Summary

This research paper is about finding a standardized method for diagnosing vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO), conditions that affect the voice box. Currently, there isn’t a universally accepted approach to diagnosing these conditions, which can affect treatment and research. The researchers aim to collect expert opinions on how to best recognize and diagnose VCD/ILO. They conducted a two-round survey followed by a workshop for validation. The research has been reviewed and approved by an ethics committee, and the results will be presented and published. This study is registered in the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

FAQs

  1. What is the current approach to diagnosing vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO)?
  2. What is the purpose of the study conducted on VCD/ILO diagnosis?
  3. Has the study on VCD/ILO diagnosis been registered in any clinical trials registry?

Doctor’s Tip

Tip: After vocal cord surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for vocal rest and rehabilitation exercises to help your voice recover properly. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in your voice to your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery are those with severe vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO) that does not respond to conservative treatments such as speech therapy or medication. These patients may experience significant breathing difficulties, voice changes, and throat discomfort that significantly impact their quality of life. Surgical intervention may be recommended to improve vocal cord function and alleviate symptoms.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as hoarseness, voice fatigue, difficulty breathing, and throat pain.
  2. Patient undergoes a consultation with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who may recommend further diagnostic tests such as laryngoscopy to examine the vocal cords.
  3. Once a diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO) is confirmed, the patient may be advised to undergo vocal cord surgery to improve their symptoms.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery, which may involve procedures such as vocal cord injection, vocal cord medialization, or vocal cord polyp removal.
  2. Following surgery, the patient may experience temporary hoarseness or discomfort in the throat.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative follow-up appointments with their otolaryngologist to monitor their recovery and assess the effectiveness of the surgery.
  4. With proper post-operative care and rehabilitation, the patient may experience improvement in their voice quality, breathing, and overall vocal function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of vocal cord surgery are you recommending for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this surgery for treating my specific condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after vocal cord surgery?
  5. Will I need speech therapy or other types of rehabilitation after the surgery?
  6. How long will it take for me to see improvements in my voice after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing surgery?
  8. How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow any specific post-operative instructions?
  10. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and potential complications after vocal cord surgery?

Reference

Authors: Leong P, Vertigan AE, Hew M, Baxter M, Phyland D, Hull JH, Carroll TL, Gibson PG, McDonald VM, Bardin PG. Journal: PLoS One. 2022 Dec 29;17(12):e0279338. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279338. eCollection 2022. PMID: 36580467