title: Stroboscopic Parameters Reported as Voice Outcome Measures in Patients Treated for Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A systematic review of the use of stroboscopy as a treatment outcome measure of vocal fold function in patients treated for laryngeal cancer is presented.
  
  
  METHODS
  Computerized literature searches were performed. Eligible articles were admitted when stroboscopy was used to measure vocal fold function before and after treatment in patients with laryngeal cancer. Data extracted included: tumor stage and location, treatment modality, stroboscopy parameters, parameter scale, number of raters, rater reliability, methodology, and level of evidence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 520 articles retrieved, 11 studies met inclusion criteria. A total of twenty-four parameters were reported. Rating scales and rater reliability varied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Major methodological differences exist in studies using stroboscopic findings as voice outcome measures in patients' post-cancer treatment. These differences lead to equivocal findings when assessing the utility of stroboscopy as an outcome measure. Standardized, reliable scoring and reporting systems for laryngeal stroboscopic examinations are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
authors.forename: Kendrea L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Focht
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC ; Evelyn Trammell Institute of Voice and Swallowing Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC ; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Martin-Harris
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
authors.forename: Heather Shaw
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Bonilha
keywords: laryngeal cancer; stroboscopy; systematic review; treatment; voice