Our Summary

This research paper is about the study of Dysphonia, a condition that affects the voice, often making it sound hoarse or weak. The paper specifically focuses on two treatment methods: fat augmentation and IFOS (Insulated Fat-derived Stem cells). These methods are particularly applied when dysphonia is caused by vocal cord paralysis, which is when one or both of the vocal cords cannot move.

Fat augmentation is a treatment where fat is taken from one part of the patient’s body and injected into the vocal cords to help improve voice quality. On the other hand, IFOS is a technique where stem cells (which have the potential to develop into many different cell types) are isolated from fat tissue and used for treatment.

YO-IFOS could be a term referring to a specific type of IFOS treatment, but without the full paper, it’s hard to define it exactly.

In summary, this paper discusses the use of these two treatments for people who have voice problems due to the paralysis of their vocal cords.

FAQs

  1. What is vocal cord paralysis and how is it treated?
  2. What is the purpose of fat augmentation in vocal cord surgery?
  3. What does the abbreviation IFOS and YO-IFOS stand for in the context of vocal cord surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

After vocal cord surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-operative care, including resting your voice and avoiding excessive talking or singing. This will help ensure proper healing of the vocal cords and improve the success of the surgery. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in your voice to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with:

  1. Vocal cord paralysis: When one or both vocal cords are paralyzed and are not able to move properly, surgery may be recommended to improve vocal function.

  2. Vocal cord nodules or polyps: These are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords that can affect voice quality. Surgery may be recommended to remove these growths.

  3. Vocal cord cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness and other voice problems. Surgery may be recommended to remove the cysts.

  4. Vocal cord hemorrhage: When there is bleeding in or around the vocal cords, surgery may be recommended to stop the bleeding and prevent further damage.

  5. Vocal cord cancer: In cases of vocal cord cancer, surgery may be recommended to remove the cancerous tissue and prevent the spread of the disease.

  6. Severe or persistent voice problems: In cases where voice problems are severe or do not improve with other treatments, surgery may be recommended to address the underlying cause.

It is important for patients to consult with a qualified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine if vocal cord surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as hoarseness, voice fatigue, difficulty speaking, and changes in pitch or volume.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist, including a physical examination, laryngoscopy, and possibly imaging studies.
  3. Treatment options are discussed, which may include vocal therapy, medications, or surgical intervention.
  4. If surgery is recommended, the patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation.
  5. The patient undergoes vocal cord surgery, which may involve procedures such as vocal cord augmentation, medialization laryngoplasty, or laser surgery.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient may experience temporary hoarseness or voice changes immediately following surgery.
  2. Patient is monitored closely for any complications, such as infection or bleeding.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative care, which may include voice therapy and vocal rest.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities, with the goal of improving voice quality and function.
  5. Patient follows up with their otolaryngologist for regular check-ups and ongoing management of their vocal cord health.

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. How long is the recovery period after vocal cord surgery?
  4. Will I need to undergo any post-operative therapy or rehabilitation?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of surgery?
  6. How successful is this type of surgery in treating my condition?
  7. What is the expected outcome and prognosis after vocal cord surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgeon in performing vocal cord surgery?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery?
  10. What is the cost and insurance coverage for vocal cord surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hansen K, Nolte A, Klussmann JP. Journal: Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2021 Sep;138 Suppl 3:103-104. doi: 10.1016/j.anorl.2021.04.006. Epub 2021 May 28. PMID: 34053889