title: [Importance of voice quality evaluation in the assessment of treatment outcome after endolaryngeal microsurgery].
abstract: The aim of the study was to compare subjective and quantitative voice characteristics changes after endolaryngeal microsurgery with respect to different postoperative follow-up term. We evaluated 80 surgically-treated patients aged 14-81 years (mean 42.6+/-13.8 years) with benign vocal cord (VC) lesions (polyps, n=37; cysts, n=16; Reinke's edema, n=18; papilomata, n=9). Patients were evaluated three times - before operation, less than two weeks (mean 1.0+/-0.4) following the operation and more than two weeks (mean 6.5+/-3.9) following the operation. Control group consisted of 122 healthy voice patients. Subjective voice evaluation composed of experts assessment (GRBAS hoarseness scale, visual analogue scale (VAS) of voice quality) and patients self-evaluation (VAS, voice handicap index, and the impression of what repercussions the voice problem has on professional life and emotions). Seven quantitative voice parameters obtained from voice range profile, laryngostroboscopy and registering of maximum phonation time were analyzed as well as overall vocal dysfunction degree (VDD). The data of second postoperative examination were statistically significantly better compared to the first postoperative follow-up (p<0.001). During the first postoperative examination the subjectively healthy voice (G=0) was found for 13.8% (11), quantitatively (VDD=0) for 22.5% (18) of patients, during the second - 63.8% (51) and 53.8% (43). The best results were for patients with vocal cords polyps. The complex voice assessment may be useful for evaluation of voice function recovery and efficacy of surgical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Othorhinolaryngology, Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital, Eiveniu 2, Lithuania. Norai_S@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Nora
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Siupsinskiene
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D007819:Laryngeal Edema / Q000601:surgery; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014833:Voice Quality