Our Summary

This research paper is about problems with the movement of the vocal cords in children, which is the second most common throat-related health issue they face. Many times, these issues can be spotted within the first two years of a child’s life. It’s crucial to properly diagnose these issues because they can cause problems with swallowing, speaking, and breathing. The paper explores how to identify these problems, how to deal with them, and what the outcomes usually are for kids with both one-sided and two-sided vocal cord movement problems.

FAQs

  1. What are vocal fold motion abnormalities in children?
  2. How is a diagnosis made for children with vocal fold motion impairment?
  3. What are the management options and potential clinical outcomes for children with unilateral and bilateral vocal fold motion impairment?

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 avoiding activities that could strain the vocal cords. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the medical team. Rehabilitation exercises may also be recommended to help improve vocal cord function and prevent complications.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for vocal cord surgery include those with:

  • Vocal fold paralysis or paresis
  • Vocal fold nodules or polyps
  • Vocal fold cysts
  • Vocal fold papillomas
  • Vocal fold scarring or granulomas
  • Vocal fold cancer

These conditions can cause voice changes, difficulty breathing, and swallowing problems, among other symptoms. In some cases, vocal cord surgery may be necessary to improve voice quality, breathing function, and overall quality of life for the patient.

Timeline

  • Before vocal cord surgery:
  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or swallowing issues.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation of their vocal cords, which may include laryngoscopy and imaging tests.
  3. A diagnosis is made, and a treatment plan is discussed with the patient and their healthcare team.
  4. Pre-operative testing may be required to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
  • After vocal cord surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes the vocal cord surgery, which may involve procedures such as vocal cord injection or medialization laryngoplasty.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort or hoarseness post-surgery, which can be managed with medications and voice rest.
  3. Patient undergoes a period of vocal cord rehabilitation, which may include voice therapy to help improve vocal function.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and assess the success of the surgery.
  5. Patient may experience improved voice quality and function following surgery, leading to an overall improvement in their quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending vocal cord surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome and recovery time after the surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  5. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  6. Will there be any restrictions or lifestyle changes I need to make post-surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. Will I need any follow-up appointments or therapy after the surgery?
  10. What are the chances of the vocal cord problem reoccurring after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Zur KB. Journal: Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2018 Apr;48(4):124-128. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2018.03.004. Epub 2018 Apr 10. PMID: 29653906