Surgical versus non-surgical interventions for vocal cord nodules.
BACKGROUND
Vocal cord nodules are bilateral swellings of the mid-portion of the membranous vocal folds. They are of variable size and are characterised histologically by thickening of the epithelium with a variable degree of inflammatory action in the underlying superficial lamina propria. They characteristically produce hoarseness. Treatment of vocal cord nodules aims to eliminate or reduce this hoarseness.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of surgery versus non-surgical interventions for vocal cord nodules.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR) and Medline (1966-2000), Embase (1974-2000), Biological Abstracts (1970-2000), Biological Abstracts RRM (Reports, Reviews and Meetings) on CD-ROM (1989-2000) and review articles.


METHODS
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing any surgical intervention for vocal cord nodules with non-surgical treatment or no treatment.


METHODS
No suitable trials were identified.


RESULTS
No studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for high quality randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatment of vocal cord nodules.
Pedersen
M
M
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Medical Center, Østergade 18,3, DK-1100 Copenhagen, Denmark. m.f.pedersen@dadlnet.dk
McGlashan
J
J
D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D014827:Vocal Cords