Our Summary
This research paper discusses a condition called vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO), which causes difficulty in breathing due to inappropriate narrowing of the voice box or larynx. An international conference was held in Melbourne, Australia to better understand this condition and to come up with a consistent approach for diagnosing and managing it.
The condition can present in different ways and is often not diagnosed quickly. The traditional way to diagnose VCD/ILO is by using a procedure called laryngoscopy, which checks for narrowing of the vocal folds by more than 50%. A new technology, a CT scan of the larynx, could potentially provide a quicker diagnosis, but it needs to be validated for use in clinical settings.
The cause of VCD/ILO is complicated, as it involves multiple factors and there is not one single cause. There is also no standard treatment for the condition, as no randomized trials have been conducted to test different treatments.
The impact of VCD/ILO on patients and the healthcare system can be significant, but these aspects have not been thoroughly studied. There also hasn’t been much research on the perspectives of patients dealing with the condition.
The conference participants expressed optimism that as we continue to learn more about this complex condition, we will be able to improve diagnosis and treatment. The conference identified clear priorities and future directions for research on this condition.
FAQs
- What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) or Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)?
- What are the current methods of diagnosing VCD/ILO and are there any new technologies that could potentially improve this process?
- What is the current standard treatment for VCD/ILO and are there any ongoing research studies or trials for new treatments?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing vocal cord surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions closely. This may include resting the voice, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon or speech therapist. It is important to give the vocal cords time to heal properly in order to achieve the best possible outcome from the surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery are those who have been diagnosed with severe cases of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) that do not respond to conservative treatments such as speech therapy or breathing exercises. Surgery may be recommended in cases where the narrowing of the vocal folds is severe and causing significant breathing difficulties or impacting the patient’s quality of life.
It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a team of specialists, including otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, and speech therapists, to determine if surgery is the best course of action. The decision to undergo surgery should be made in collaboration with the patient, taking into consideration their individual needs and preferences.
Overall, vocal cord surgery is recommended for patients with severe VCD/ILO who have not responded to conservative treatments and are experiencing significant breathing difficulties. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the best treatment approach for their specific condition.
Timeline
Before vocal cord surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, throat tightness, and wheezing. They may undergo various diagnostic tests such as laryngoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of VCD/ILO. Treatment options may include speech therapy, breathing exercises, and medications to manage symptoms.
After vocal cord surgery, patients will typically have a recovery period where they may experience some discomfort, hoarseness, and difficulty speaking. They will need to follow specific post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare team. Over time, as the vocal cords heal, the patient should experience improved breathing and voice quality. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery may include:
- What specific type of vocal cord surgery is recommended for my condition?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
- What is the success rate of the surgery for patients with similar conditions?
- What is the recovery process like after vocal cord surgery?
- Will I need speech therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after the surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
- How long will it take for me to see improvement in my voice or breathing after the surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to ensure a successful outcome?
- Will I need to follow up with a specialist or have regular check-ups after the surgery?
- Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of following vocal cord surgery?
Reference
Authors: Leong P, Gibson PG, Vertigan AE, Hew M, McDonald VM, Bardin PG. Journal: Respirology. 2023 Jul;28(7):615-626. doi: 10.1111/resp.14518. Epub 2023 May 23. PMID: 37221142