Our Summary

This study looked at the results of a specific type of surgery for a condition called vocal cord leukoplakia. This condition can cause changes in the voice and is often treated with a technique called transoral laser microsurgery, where a laser is used to remove the affected area of the vocal cord.

The researchers reviewed data from 44 patients who had this surgery, and looked at factors that might be linked to the leukoplakia coming back after surgery. They found that the disease was more likely to return in patients who smoked, drank alcohol, or had a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.

Of those factors, GERD was the most strongly linked to the disease coming back after surgery. The study suggests that treating this reflux disease aggressively could help prevent the return of vocal cord leukoplakia in patients who’ve had it surgically removed.

FAQs

  1. What is transoral laser microsurgery and how is it used to treat vocal cord leukoplakia?
  2. What factors were found to increase the likelihood of leukoplakia returning after surgery?
  3. How could treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) prevent the return of vocal cord leukoplakia post-surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, a helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and manage GERD effectively to reduce the risk of the condition coming back after surgery. It is important to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare provider to optimize healing and prevent complications. Additionally, maintaining good vocal hygiene, such as staying hydrated and avoiding irritants, can also help promote optimal vocal cord health post-surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with conditions such as vocal cord leukoplakia, vocal cord polyps, vocal cord nodules, vocal cord paralysis, and vocal cord cancer. In some cases, surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments such as speech therapy or medication have not been effective in resolving the issue. Additionally, patients who experience chronic hoarseness, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or persistent throat pain may be candidates for vocal cord surgery.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as changes in their voice, hoarseness, difficulty speaking or singing, and throat pain. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as a laryngoscopy to determine the cause of their vocal cord issues.

After vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience temporary hoarseness, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. They will need to follow post-operative care instructions, which may include voice rest, avoiding certain foods or activities, and attending follow-up appointments with their surgeon.

In the weeks and months following surgery, the patient will gradually regain their voice and may undergo speech therapy to improve vocal function. They will also be monitored for any signs of the vocal cord leukoplakia returning, such as changes in their voice or persistent throat pain.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after vocal cord surgery involves initial symptoms, diagnostic testing, surgery, post-operative recovery, and ongoing monitoring for recurrence of the condition. Rehabilitation and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or managing GERD, may also be recommended to improve long-term outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:

  1. What type of surgery is recommended for my vocal cord condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  4. Will I need speech therapy or other rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. What are the success rates of this surgery for treating vocal cord conditions?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or habits I should modify before or after the surgery to improve outcomes?
  7. How likely is it that my vocal cord condition will come back after surgery, and what factors could increase that risk?
  8. Should I be evaluated for conditions like smoking, alcohol use, or GERD that could impact the success of the surgery?
  9. What follow-up care or monitoring will be needed after the surgery?
  10. Are there alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered for my vocal cord condition?

Reference

Authors: Yang SW, Chao WC, Lee YS, Chang LC, Hsieh TY, Chen TA, Luo CM. Journal: Lasers Med Sci. 2017 Jan;32(1):19-27. doi: 10.1007/s10103-016-2078-5. Epub 2016 Sep 29. PMID: 27686889