Our Summary
This research paper discusses a surgical procedure that was performed to feminize the voices of 296 patients, including three people with pseudohermaphroditism and 293 transgender women. The procedure, carried out at the Voice Center of the Nanjing Tongren Hospital, involved shortening the vocal cords and moving the anterior commissure (the area where the vocal cords meet at the front) backwards.
After the surgery, patients were asked to rest their voices for a month before undergoing speech rehabilitation training. To evaluate the success of the surgery, the researchers performed a variety of tests and analyses on the patients’ voices at three, six, and twelve months post-operation.
The results showed that the surgery was successful and that 94.3% of the patients reported satisfaction with the outcome after one year. The pitch of the patients’ voices increased, and other parameters remained within normal ranges, indicating that the surgery, combined with post-operative pronunciation training, was effective in achieving a natural and feminine voice.
In conclusion, the study found that this combination of surgery and postoperative training is an effective strategy for those wishing to achieve a more feminine voice.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the surgical procedure performed at the Voice Center of the Nanjing Tongren Hospital?
- What post-surgery care and rehabilitation does a patient undergo after this vocal cord surgery?
- How was the success of the surgery evaluated and what were the results?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing vocal cord surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions closely. This may include resting the voice, attending speech therapy sessions, and avoiding activities that could strain the vocal cords. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful outcome and a smooth recovery process.
Suitable For
Typically, patients who are recommended vocal cord surgery are those with voice disorders such as vocal cord nodules, polyps, cysts, or paralysis. These conditions can cause hoarseness, difficulty speaking, or changes in voice pitch. Vocal cord surgery may also be recommended for individuals with laryngeal cancer or other throat conditions that affect the vocal cords.
In addition, vocal cord surgery may be recommended for transgender individuals seeking to feminize their voices, as mentioned in the research paper. This type of surgery, known as voice feminization surgery, aims to alter the pitch and resonance of the voice to align with the individual’s gender identity.
Overall, vocal cord surgery may be recommended for a variety of patients with voice-related issues, including those with medical conditions affecting the vocal cords or individuals seeking gender-affirming vocal changes. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified otolaryngologist or voice specialist to determine if vocal cord surgery is the appropriate treatment option for their specific needs.
Timeline
Before the surgery, patients typically undergo a consultation with a voice specialist to discuss their goals and expectations. They may also undergo vocal assessments to determine the current state of their voice and vocal cords.
After the surgery, patients may experience temporary hoarseness or discomfort in the throat. They are advised to rest their voices and follow post-operative care instructions provided by their medical team.
In the weeks following the surgery, patients may begin speech therapy or rehabilitation to help them adjust to their new vocal range and improve their communication skills.
Over the course of several months, patients will continue to work with their medical team to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
After one year, patients may undergo follow-up assessments to evaluate the long-term success of the surgery and make any additional recommendations for ongoing care.
Overall, vocal cord surgery can be a transformative experience for patients seeking to change their voice quality, and with proper care and support, they can achieve their desired results.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:
- What specific surgical procedure will be performed on my vocal cords?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
- How long is the recovery process, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
- Will I need speech therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery? If so, what does that entail?
- What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of changes to my voice?
- Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of post-surgery?
- How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
- Are there alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for vocal cord surgery?
- Can you provide me with any references or testimonials from previous patients who have undergone similar procedures?
- How soon after the surgery can I expect to see results in terms of changes to my voice?
Reference
Authors: Sun ZH, Meng W, Sun GY, Wang WJ, Yan M, Xiao H, He SB. Journal: Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2025 May 7;60(5):520-526. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115330-20240816-00478. PMID: 40419336