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VOLUME 11 , ISSUE 2 ( May-August, 2019 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Analysis and Prevention of Voice Morbidity in Thyroidectomy Patients: A Prospective Study

Prabu Velayutham, Sathiyan Murugaiyan

Citation Information : Velayutham P, Murugaiyan S. Analysis and Prevention of Voice Morbidity in Thyroidectomy Patients: A Prospective Study. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2019; 11 (2):45-48.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10003-1309

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 23-11-2020

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2019; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Preservation of voice is an important concern for patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The objective of our study was early identification of the voice-related problems in postthyroidectomy patients and starting voice therapy as early as possible, in order to prevent faulty voice production techniques in them. Materials and methods: One hundred and eighteen patients who underwent thyroidectomy in our study period were included for study. Voice evaluation was done preoperatively and postoperatively with videolaryngoscopy (VLS), maximum phonation duration (MPD), and fundamental frequency of voice (Fo). Voice therapy was initiated in patients who had voice disorders. Results: Thirty-three patients in early postoperative period had voice disorders. Among these 33 patients, four patients had recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paresis, 22 patients had external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) paresis, and 7 patients had normal vocal fold mobility. Four patients had voice changes in the late postoperative period. Voice rehabilitation therapy was started in these 33 patients. All the patients recovered well with voice therapy and without surgical intervention. Conclusion: Early identification of voice disorders and initiation of voice rehabilitation therapy will considerably reduce the voice morbidity in thyroidectomy patients.


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