Cricothyroid approximation and thyroid chondroplasty: a patient survey.
OBJECTIVE
Cricothyroid approximation is performed in male-to-female transsexuals to raise the pitch of the voice often accompanied by a thyroid chondroplasty, an aesthetic reduction of the thyroid cartilage. The survey was conducted to ascertain patient satisfaction with the procedures.


METHODS
Fifty-four patients had the procedures performed in our department over an 8-year period; 45 patients were sent postal questionnaires to evaluate patient satisfaction with the appearance of the laryngeal prominence, pitch of the voice, and which they found more beneficial, the surgery or speech therapy.


RESULTS
A response rate of 93% was obtained; 86% of patients thought their laryngeal profile had improved, 79% thought their voice had improved, and 55% thought that surgery and 21% thought that speech therapy had helped more in improving the voice. Overall, 79% were satisfied with the results of the surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Cricothyroid approximation and thyroid chondroplasty have a high patient satisfaction rate.
Matai
Vandana
V
Department of Otolaryngology, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, UK.
Cheesman
Anthony D
AD
Clarke
Peter M
PM
D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D003625:Data Collection; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000601:surgery*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000601:surgery*; D014833:Voice Quality