Our Summary

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a network of nerves in the throat, known as the pharyngeal plexus, plays a role in controlling the vocal cords. This research involved 125 procedures on 79 patients (59 women, 20 men) who were undergoing thyroid surgery. The researchers monitored the function of the vocal cords and certain throat muscles during the operations. They found that in a few cases (around 3.2% of all vocal cords monitored), stimulation of the pharyngeal plexus resulted in activity in the vocal cords. This suggests that in some people, this network of nerves may help control the vocal cords either directly or through a reflex pathway.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study on the pharyngeal plexus and vocal cords?
  2. How many patients were involved in the study and what kind of surgery were they undergoing?
  3. What were the findings of the study regarding the role of the pharyngeal plexus in controlling the vocal cords?

Doctor’s Tip

After vocal cord surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-operative care. This may include resting your voice, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring. It is also important to stay hydrated and avoid irritants such as smoke or excessive talking. Be patient with the healing process and give your vocal cords time to recover fully before resuming normal activities.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for vocal cord surgery include those with vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord cysts, vocal cord tumors, or other conditions that affect the function of the vocal cords. Additionally, patients with conditions such as laryngeal stenosis or spasmodic dysphonia may also benefit from vocal cord surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine if vocal cord surgery is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to discuss symptoms and potential treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as laryngoscopy to evaluate the vocal cords and determine the extent of the issue.
  3. Patient receives pre-operative instructions and guidance on what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes vocal cord surgery, which may involve procedures such as vocal cord polyp removal, vocal cord lesion excision, or vocal cord paralysis treatment.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications or side effects.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation, which may include voice therapy and exercises to help the vocal cords heal and regain function.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the otolaryngologist to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

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 of the surgery in terms of vocal cord function?
  4. What is the recovery process like after vocal cord surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  7. How long will it take to see improvement in my vocal cord function after the surgery?
  8. Will I need speech therapy or other rehabilitation after the surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow post-surgery?
  10. How long will I need to wait before returning to normal activities, such as speaking or singing?

Reference

Authors: Uludag M, Aygun N, Isgor A. Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Feb;274(2):1121-1128. doi: 10.1007/s00405-016-4369-7. Epub 2016 Nov 3. PMID: 27812786