Comparison of effects on voice of diode laser and cold knife microlaryngology techniques for vocal fold polyps.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects on voice of endolaryngeal microsurgery (EMS) with cold instruments and a new method, "diode laser," for vocal fold polyps.


METHODS
Fifty-one patients with vocal fold polyps suffering from dysphonia who were treated in the Erciyes University Department of Otolaryngology were included in the study. Voice analysis was performed in a soundproof room, holding the microphone 15 cm away from the patients' mouth and by recording a sustained [a] vowel for at least 10 seconds. Fundamental frequency (F0), Jitter, Shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR) parameters were evaluated in terms of vocal analysis. All patients were asked for to fill in a questionnaire, after being informed about the voice handicap index (VHI). EMS was performed with a diode laser and cold knife on 26 and 25 patients, respectively. Patient follow-up was performed 8 weeks after surgery. Changes in F0, Jitter, Shimmer, and NHR values were measured and recorded. VHI was also completed and reassessed.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference in each technique's VHI score between the preoperative and postoperative questionnaire (P < 0.001). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in VHI scores between two groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in voice analysis values measured preoperatively and at the postoperative controls for both groups (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in voice analysis values between two groups (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In the treatment of vocal polyps, EMS with both diode laser and traditional cold knife is effective.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Mehmet Fatih
MF
Karasu
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kayseri Training and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey. Electronic address: gundogduramazan@yahoo.com.
Ramazan
R
Gundogdu
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey.
Sedat
S
Cagli
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kayseri Training and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey.
Mesut
M
Aydin
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey.
Turan
T
Arli
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey.
Samet
S
Aydemir
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey.
Imdat
I
Yuce
D000162:Acoustics; D000328:Adult; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D055154:Dysphonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011127:Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey; D014833:Voice Quality
Diode laser; Endolaryngeal microlaryngosurgery; Phononosurgery; Vocal polyp