Our Summary

Researchers looked at the risk of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) in newborns after they had surgery on the aortic arch, an area near the heart that’s close to important nerves. They found that about two-thirds of the babies in the study had some form of VCD after the operation, and it was more common in younger babies and those with a weak or absent cry. About half of the babies with VCD also had issues swallowing. However, most of these symptoms improved over time. These findings suggest that doctors should routinely check for VCD after this type of surgery, especially in babies with a weak cry.

FAQs

  1. What is the risk of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) in newborns after aortic arch surgery?
  2. Are there any particular groups of babies more likely to develop VCD after this type of surgery?
  3. What other issues did babies with VCD experience after the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor may give a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including resting the voice and avoiding activities that strain the vocal cords. It’s important to give the vocal cords time to heal properly in order to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome. Additionally, attending speech therapy sessions as recommended by your doctor can help improve vocal cord function and prevent future issues.

Suitable For

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

  1. Vocal cord paralysis or weakness
  2. Vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts
  3. Vocal cord tumors or lesions
  4. Chronic hoarseness or voice changes
  5. Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to vocal cord dysfunction
  6. Trauma or injury to the vocal cords
  7. Neurological conditions affecting the vocal cords
  8. Chronic cough or throat clearing
  9. Voice disorders or vocal cord strain from overuse
  10. Laryngeal papillomatosis (wart-like growths on the vocal cords)

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  • Patients may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, vocal fatigue, and voice changes.
  • Patients undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist to determine the cause and severity of their vocal cord issues.
  • Treatment options such as speech therapy or medication may be attempted before surgery is recommended.

After vocal cord surgery:

  • Patients undergo the surgical procedure to correct the issues with their vocal cords.
  • Following surgery, patients typically experience a period of rest and voice rest to allow their vocal cords to heal properly.
  • Patients may undergo post-operative therapy or rehabilitation to help improve their voice quality and function.
  • Over time, most patients experience improvement in their voice quality and function, with the ability to speak more clearly and confidently.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of vocal cord surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after vocal cord surgery?
  4. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of voice quality and function?
  5. Will I need speech therapy or other rehabilitation after the surgery?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  8. What is your experience and success rate with performing vocal cord surgery?
  9. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and improve my chances of a successful outcome?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to protect my vocal cords and prevent complications?

Reference

Authors: Lambert A, Winlaw DS, Deacon V, Waters KA, Pettigrew J, Fleming G, Orr Y, Wong EH, Cheng AT. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Nov;138:110331. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110331. Epub 2020 Aug 30. PMID: 32911238