Voice quality after endoscopic laser surgery and radiotherapy for early glottic cancer: objective measurements emphasizing the Voice Handicap Index

We analyzed the functional outcome and self-evaluation of the voice of patients with T1 glottic carcinoma treated with endoscopic laser surgery and radiotherapy. We performed an objective voice evaluation, as well as a physical, emotional and functional well being assessment of 19 patients treated with laser surgery and 18 patients treated with radiotherapy. Voice quality is affected both by surgery and radiotherapy. Voice parameters only show differences in the maximum phonation time between both treatments. Results in the Voice Handicap Index show that radiotherapy has less effect on patient voice quality perception. There is a reduced impact on the patient’s perception of voice quality after radiotherapy, despite there being no significant differences in vocal quality between radiotherapy and laser cordectomy.     

Treatment of vocal fold scar by carbon dioxide laser and collagen injection: retrospective study on 12 patients

Vocal fold scars are the result of injury to the vocal fold lamina propria. This condition leads to an impaired vibration and usually to poor voice quality. The purpose of our study was to compare the pre- and posttreatment voice assessment scores in patients treated by CO₂ laser-assisted freeing of the scar followed by collagen injection. A group of 12 patients (10 women and 2 men) with vocal fold scars was studied retrospectively. Voice assessment was based on stroboscopy and on perceptual scores using the Grade (G) of the GRABS scale, subjective evaluation by the use of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), aerodynamic measurements [maximum phonation time (MPT) and phonation quotient (PQ)], and acoustical measurements (frequency range and low intensity). Stroboscopy showed an improvement on the mucosal vocal fold wave and on the glottic competence. The mean VHI was improved from 63.16 to 45.5; G from 2 to 1.41; MPT from 7.05 to 8.62 s; and PQ from 463.02 to 358.54 ml/s. CO₂ laser freeing of vocal fold scars followed by collagen injection, combined with speech therapy, improved significantly the aerodynamic parameters (efficiency of voice), but not the acoustical scores.     

Vocim analysis of laryngeal images: is breathiness related to the glottic area?

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between glottic space and breathy voice. Using a new computerized method of analysing the glottic area of video images with the Vocim computer system, 16 patients with a vocal cord palsy and 31 with non-organic dysphonia were examined. The quality of the breathy voice was assessed and correlated with the size of the glottic space during phonation. There was a positive (r = 0.70) correlation between glottic area and breathy voice in vocal cord palsy. There was no correlation (r = 0.002) in non-organic dysphonia. Therefore in this study population, for vocal cord palsy, glottic area is the dominant feature in determining voice quality. This relationship is not maintained in non-organic dysphonia.     

Phonomicrosurgical management of the disease of vocal fold]

OBJECTIVE: To find a way of reserving normal high quality phonatory function after vocal cord surgery. METHODS: Various benign lesions (vocal nodules, polyp of vocal cord, cyst of vocal cord, etc) as well as premalignant lesion and early glottic cancer were treated with minimally excision, lateral microflap, medial microflap, submucosal infusion, mucosal stripping or epithelium stripping of phonomicrosurgical techniques to achieve minimally invasion. RESULTS: The 1,044 (99.8%) patients suffering from vocal nodules, polyp or cyst and 12 Reinke's edema achieved a normal phonation within a week. The recovery of normal phonation in 20 Reinke's edema, 31 vocal cases needed 1-3 months, by mucosal stripping. The restoration of phonation on 5 papilloma, 36 early malignancy were better than trans-cervical operation. After 5 year follow-up, 3 cases of vocal cord premalignant lesions received the re-stripping operation. 32 cases of early glottic cancer remained tumor free, 5 cases relapsed and 2 cases received the re-stripping operation, and 2 cases received laryngectomy operation. CONCLUSION: The phonomicrosurgery may cure vocal disease and reserves good voice function.     

Videostroboscopic assessment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis after augmentation with autologous fascia

Vocal fold augmentation by injection laryngoplasty is a simple and fast procedure. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the glottal closure and the travelling mucosal wave by videostroboscopic images after autologous fascia augmentation in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) with a special reference to objective analysis of voice. A total of 14 UVFP patients with poor voice and open glottal gap were assessed by videostroboscopy, blinded perceptual evaluation of running speech and acoustical analysis of sustained vowel. Data were collected before the procedure and at a supplementary evaluation 5–32 months (mean: 13 months) after injection of autologous fascia deep into the paralysed vocal fold. Mean age was 59 years; there were eight women and six men. Frame-by-frame video analysis revealed that before the operation 10 out of 12 had large glottal gaps without any contact between vocal folds on phonation. After the procedure seven gaps were completely closed, four partly, and two had no mucosal contact in stroboscopic examination. Maximum gap between vocal folds decreased from 7.21 units to 1.65 units (paired t-test P<0.001). Mucosal wave amplitude symmetry and phase synchrony were present in most subjects with partial closure and phase synchrony in every patient with a proper glottic closure. A panel of listeners rated voice to be significantly better (P<0.01) ) after the procedure, and the improvement in acoustical parameters was also statistically significant (P<0.01). There was a good correlation between objective voice analysis and videostroboscopy. Residual glottal gap was the major reason for less than optimal postoperative voice. No signs of hampered mucosal wave were noticed. Videostroboscopy and objective voice analysis suggest that augmentation by autologous fascia does not induce scar or fibrous tissue in the subepithelial space. Slight over-correction should be attempted initially in order to accomplish sufficient augmentation. This might enhance complete glottic closure and improve the outcome.     

Quality of life and voice following endoscopic resection or radiotherapy for early glottic cancer

Objectives: To assess whether proposed voice and quality of life (QoL) outcome measures were likely to be acceptable to patients previously treated for early glottic cancer by either radiotherapy or endoscopic resection, as well as looking for differences in QoL and voice between treatments. Design: Questionnaire‐based cohort study. Setting: Secondary care, three centres. Participants: All patients treated for T1a or in situ glottic carcinoma between 1997 and 2003. Fifty‐three patients were identified; those who had undergone salvage surgery or radiotherapy were excluded. A proportion refused to participate or could not be contacted and two patients had died of unrelated causes. Thirty‐six patients completed the trial with 18 from each treatment arm. Main outcome measures: Quality of voice as assessed by three questionnaires, Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Vocal Performance Questionnaire (VPQ), Voice Symptom Score (VoiSS) and perceptual analysis of voice by Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia and Strained (GRBAS) assessment of vocal recordings. Quality of life as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW‐QoL), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) questionnaire. Results: All patients included in the trial were able to complete the questionnaires; however, 19% required assistance of some kind. GRBAS assessment showed no difference between groups for any criteria. All QoL questionnaires gave equivalent good scores. All of the voice questionnaires showed no statistical difference between groups except for the emotional subscale of the VoiSS which showed a significantly better score for the radiotherapy arm (P = 0.04). Conclusion: All outcome measures were applicable and acceptable to the patient group. Overall QoL and voice appears similar despite treatment arm, apart from the emotional subscale of the VoiSS. A randomized controlled trial is required to further assess this question.     

Outcome analysis of benign vocal cord lesions by videostroboscopy, acoustic analysis and voice handicap index

Benign vocal cord lesions affect vibratory vocal fold function resulting in significant dysphonia. A prospective study of 30 patients with benign vocal fold lesions was undertaken at our centre to compare the pre and post operative voice using videostroboscopy, voice analysis and voice handicap index. The vibratory pattern of the cord improved as evidenced by the stroboscopic parameters-symmetry, mucosal wave and glottic closure (p<0.05). Voice analysis showed a trend towards normalcy but the values obtained did not attain statistical significance. Voice handicap index showed a reduction in the total and the subscales scores. Videostroboscopy along with acoustic analysis and voice handicap index are useful tools in the objective and subjective assessment of the effectiveness of treatment in patients with benign vocal cord lesions. Their routine use in a voice clinic is recommended.     

Vibratory source, vocal quality and fundamental frequency following pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: Surgeons who perform pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) have traditionally measured outcomes based on successful airway restoration. Additional information regarding post-surgical vocal function may help guide outcomes toward optimal voice. This investigation documented the relationship between the site of vocal tract vibratory source (glottic versus supraglottic versus mixed) and vocal function in children following LTR. METHODS: Endoscopic evaluation of voice source was completed in 16 participants who had LTR as children. Three judges rated vocal quality using the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V). Acoustic analysis was completed to obtain fundamental frequency and determine the periodicity of the vibratory signal. RESULTS: Seven participants were identified to have glottic vibration and nine had supraglottic or mixed-source vibration for voice. All participants were rated as having some degree of voice disorder. Those who used primarily supraglottic/mixed phonation exhibited significantly worse overall severity, roughness, and pitch deviance ratings than did those who used primarily glottic phonation. Significant differences in strain were also noted; however, poor inter-rater reliability rating of strain confounded this result. No significant differences in breathiness or loudness ratings were exhibited. Periodic vibration was observed in 10 of 16 participants (5 of 7 in the glottic group and 5 of 9 in the supraglottic/mixed group). Three of the five participants who had periodic supraglottic phonation had fundamental frequency measures (F(0)) that were below normative ranges, 1 approximated normal, and 1 was above normal range. Two of the five participants who had periodic glottic phonation had lower than expected F(0)s, 1 was within normal range, and 2 were high. CONCLUSIONS: As observed in earlier studies, voices produced with supraglottic phonation were generally less acceptable than those with glottic phonation. However, phonation with supraglottic structures yielded highly variable voice that may be amenable to change. Some children achieved periodic vibration with alternate structures, suggesting inherent flexibility and adaptability in the tissues used to make sound.     

Laser resection of T1a glottic carcinomas: results and postoperative voice quality

Objectives—To calculate recurrence, mortality and complication rates and evaluate postoperative voice quality after laser resection of T_1a glottic carcinoma.

Material and Methods—Since 1995 we have treated 118 patients with a T_1a glottic carcinoma with laser surgery. In order to evaluate postoperative voice quality, patients who were alive and free of recurrence were sent the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire containing 30 questions concerning how their voice affects their daily life physically, emotionally and socially.

Results—Twelve patients (10%) had a local recurrence and received further treatment, either a second laser treatment, radiotherapy or a total laryngectomy. One patient (0.84%) died due to the laryngeal cancer. Ninety-nine patients were sent the VHI questionnaire and 94 of the completed questionnaires were included in the study and analyzed. The mean total score was 13.2, with mean subscores of 6.5 (physical), 4.1 (functional) and 2.5 (emotional).

Conclusions—The results indicate that these patients as a group do not consider that their voice has a negative impact on their daily life. Good surgical technique is essential to obtain a good functional result. The laser strength should be kept low and the surgical margins small in order to minimize scarring and vocal cord stiffness.     

Quantitative analysis of voice quality in early glottic laryngeal carcinomas treated with radiotherapy

The quality of voice after radiotherapy is generally considered to be better than that after surgery for early glottic (Tla and Tlb) carcinomas. Studies concerning voice quality after radiotherapy are scarce, and results have been contradictory concerning actual normalization of voice following therapy. This study was designed to compare several voice parameters of patients successfully treated 1–12 years previously with radiotherapy (5750–7000 cGy) for early glottic carcinoma. Parameters involved an age- and sex-matched control group. Results showed that voice quality following radiotherapy was less than normal for maximum vocal intensity, dynamic vocal intensity range, jitter, and mean fundamental frequency. These findings showed that voice following radiotherapy could not be considered normal.     

Transcutaneous PCO<Subscript>2</Subscript> monitoring in the evaluation of hyperventilation of patients with recurrent nerve paralysis

Hyperventilation during phonation is one of the causes of fatigue in patients with vocal cord disorders. Transcutaneous (TC) PCO₂ and PO₂ were analyzed during phonation in patients with known recurrent nerve paralyses (RNP). There was no significant change in TCPCO₂ in eight normal subjects. In cases with unilateral RNP and incomplete glottic closure, TCPCO₂ decreased during phonation. This decrease in TCPCO₂ resulted from hyperventilation during phonation. The TCPCO₂ did not decrease in one case with RNP and complete glottic closure. In one case with incomplete glottic closure, the decrease in TCPCO₂ and fatigue disappeared after treatment. These results suggest that hyperventilation is one of the causes for easy fatiguability during phonation in patients with RNP. Findings also show that measurements of TCPCO₂ during phonation are useful for evaluating the cause of fatigue in patients with vocal disorders.     

Predicting vocal outcome by means of a vocal endurance test: A 5-year follow-up study in female teachers

Objectives: Investigate whether vocal problems in future professional activities can be predicted by early laryngeal and phoniatric evaluation and whether a vocal endurance test can contribute to this evaluation. Study Design: Five-year follow-up study of 30 female education majors, initially documented with a standard voice assessment and a vocal endurance test. Measurements before and after vocal endurance testing were compared and related to the vocal outcome 5 years after the initial testing. Methods: Voice assessment included perceptual evaluation, airflow measurements, Fo and SPL measurements, voice range profile and laryngeal (stroboscopic) examination. The Standard Tolerance Test, as recommended by the Union of European Phoniatricians, was followed. This data set was completed with a questionnaire concerning the subjects' vocal behavior. This questionnaire was repeated 5 years later. Results: No significant differences were found for ENT scores (laryngostroboscopy) (P = .018). Logistic regression was used to determine a relationship between initial observations and the final outcome. Conclusions: The role of an endurance test as used in this study is negligible for the prediction of vocal outcome. A combination of laryngeal examination, maximum phonation time, and perceptual evaluation, assessed prior to the endurance test, reveals a prediction of the vocal outcome with a specificity of 90% and a sensitivity of 70%. Key Words: Voice, vocal outcome, vocal endurance test.     

Ⅰ型甲状软骨成形术治疗单侧声带麻痹的嗓音学分析

目的 探讨Ⅰ型甲状软骨成形术治疗单侧声带麻痹的嗓音学特征.方法 应用美国Kay公司的MDVP 5105软件对16例单侧声带麻痹患者手术前、后嗓音声学参数进行分析.结果 16例(100％)患者声学参数基频、频率微扰、振幅微扰及最长声时平均值与术前明显改善(P＜0.050,主观感觉满意.结论 Ⅰ型甲状软骨成形术对改善单侧声...     

Medialization thyroplasty: vocal outcome of silicone and titanium implant

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis can result in incomplete glottic closure, compromising the vocal efficiency and increasing the risk of aspiration. The glottic gap can be reduced by medialization thyroplasty. Both silicone and titanium implants have been described to be efficient in the improvement of the vocal outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the vocal outcome after medialization thyroplasty using silicone and titanium implants and to compare the results of the two implanted materials using prospective sequential cohort study. 24 patients underwent medialization thyroplasty, performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation: 10 patients were included in the silicone cohort and 14 in the titanium cohort. All patients underwent vocal assessment preoperatively and postoperatively, using the Voice Handicap Index, the GRBASI scale, maximum phonation time and the Dysphonia Severity Index. Postoperative analysis of the entire population showed statistically significant improvement for the Voice Handicap Index, maximum phonation time, Dysphonia Severity Index and the parameters G, B and A of the GRBASI scale (83% follow up). Subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant greater improvement of Voice Handicap Index of the titanium cohort compared with the silicone cohort. Improvement of maximum phonation time, Dysphonia Severity Index and GRBASI scale of the titanium cohort was greater than improvement of the silicone cohort, but this difference was not statistically significant. Both silicone and titanium medialization implants showed improvement of vocal outcome, the results of the titanium implant being superior.     

Prospective evaluation of voice outcome during the first two years in male patients treated by radiotherapy or laser surgery for T1a glottic carcinoma

In this prospective cohort study, we assessed voice outcome in patients before and up to 2 years after treatment for early glottic cancer either by radiotherapy or by laser surgery; 106 male patients, treated for T1aN0M0 glottic cancer either by endoscopic laser surgery (n = 67) or by radiotherapy (n = 39), participated in the study. Patients’ voices were recorded and analysed pre-treatment and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-treatment at their routine visit at the outpatient clinic. Average fundamental frequency (F0), percent jitter, percent shimmer and normalized noise energy (NNE) were determined. After 2 years, local control rate was 95% in the radiotherapy group and 97% in the laser surgery group. Larynx preservation rate was 95% after radiotherapy and 100% after laser surgery. Voice outcome recovers more quickly in patients treated with laser surgery in comparison to radiotherapy: 3 months after laser surgery there is no longer a difference with regard to normal voices except for the fundamental frequency, which remains higher pitched, even in the longer term. For patients treated with radiotherapy it takes longer for jitter, shimmer and NNE to become normal, where jitter remains significantly different from normal voices even after 2 years. According to these results, we believe that laser surgery is the first treatment of choice in the treatment of selected cases of T1a glottic carcinomas with good functional and oncological results.     

Early glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure

Between 1958 and 1990 67 patients with an early glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure were treated by radiotherapy. Excluding three with carcinoma in situ, 64 had a T₁N₀M₀ squamous cell carcinoma; in eight of these (12.5%) the tumour was only located in the anterior commissure, in 45 (70.3%) it also involved one vocal cord and in 11 (17.2%) both vocal cords. The overall 5-year survival rate was 85%. For those with only anterior commissure involvement it was 60%, with involvement of one vocal cord and the anterior commissure it was 89% and with involvement of both vocal cords 82%. The 3-year recurrence rate was 58% for patients with involvement of only the anterior commissure, 24% with involvement also of one vocal cord, and 45% for those with involvement of both vocal cords. It was found that in cases of early glottic carcinoma, involving the anterior commissure and treated by radiotherapy, the prognosis for recurrence and survival was poorest when the carcinoma was only located in the anterior commissure, and it was concluded that this group of patients deserves special consideration.     

Sulcus configurations of vocal folds during phonation

Conclusion: A detailed understanding of clinical and voice characteristics will help to differentiate sulcus configuration and plan rational management strategies for each type. Objectives: To investigate the clinical and voice characteristics of patients with sulcus configuration of vocal folds during phonation. Patients and methods: A total of 146 patients with bilateral sulcus configuration of vocal folds were enrolled in this study. Based on videostroboscopic findings, patients were classified into three groups: physiologic sulcus configuration group (type I), pathologic sulcus configuration group, including sulcus vergeture (type II), and sulcus vocalis (type III). Voice analyses were obtained from a recorded speech sample. Results: Thirty-two patients (21.9%) were type I, 61 (41.8%) were type II, and 53 (36.3%) were type III. Different sulcus configuration groups had significantly different roughness and mean fundamental frequency. Type III was significantly different from type I and type II in grade, breathiness, mean flow rate, subglottic pressure, maximum phonation time, Jitter%, and harmonics to noise ratio. The pathologic sulcus showed distinctive features in electroglottograph waveform.     

Vocal function after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer

Abstract

Conclusion: The resection of the medial and lateral pyriform sinus was associated with post-operative voice impairment after TOVS. Scar contracture around the cricoarytenoid joint lead to arytenoid fixation toward lateral position, and this wound healing process caused insufficient glottis closure. Although oncological and functional outcomes of TOVS was satisfactory, surgeons should mention the risk of post-operative voice impairment in pre-operative counseling.

Objectives: Transoral surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer. Post-operative vocal function was satisfactory in most cases, but in some cases vocal cord was fixed and occasionally voice impairment persists.

Methods: Vocal function of 55 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancers was evaluated by the GRBAS perceptive scale, aerodynamic tests and acoustic analyses, and the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The risk factors for voice impairment were identified.

Results: Voice impairment (G score ≧2) was found in 16 cases (29.1%). Univariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p?=?.0018) and neck dissection (p?=?.0421) were associated with post-operative voice impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p?=?.0021) was associated with post-operative voice impairment.     

Radiation therapy in early glottic cancer. Analysis of 177 consecutive cases

Early vocal cord carcinomas (TiS or T1) in a consecutive series of 177 patients treated by primary radiotherapy over a 10-year period 1970-79 at the Department of General Oncology, Radiumhemmet, Karolinska Sjukhuset, were analysed regarding treatment results. In 137 cases the tumours were invasive (T1N0M0) and in 40 cases carcinoma of in situ type (TiS). Patient were treated with cobalt 60 gamma irradiation in fractions of 2 Gy up to a total dose of 64 Gy delivered as split course (CRE=17.8). Minimum follow-up time was 5 years. Tumour recurred in 21 cases (12%). All but 4 patients were rescued by subsequent surgery, giving 98% total survival. Treatment failures after primary radiotherapy were analysed in detail. Failures could not be attributed to treatment irregularities. No difference in pretreatment tumour size was detected when cured patients were compared with patients who relapsed. Biological factors that cause a relative radioresistance are considered to be the main reason for radiotherapy failures in early glottic cancer.     

Airflow and temperature distribution inside the maxillary sinus: a computational fluid dynamics simulation

Conclusions. With the cover layer injured, vocal function of mucosal ablation could be protected and even return to normal after surgery and vocal function of mucosal stripping was slightly affected with extensive mucosal injury. Once the body layer was injured, the compensatory mechanism would play an important role in phonation. Objectives. To investigate voice function following CO₂ laser microsurgery for precancerous and early-stage glottic carcinoma. Patients and methods. Vocal function was examined by acoustic analysis, aerodynamic analysis and videostroboscopic examination. Results. For mucosal ablation, vocal quality recovered 1 month after surgery. For mucosal stripping, although vocal quality was steady 3 months after surgery, slight hoarseness persisted in this group. The contour of the treated fold recovered postoperatively. There were no complications in recovery. For cordectomies, vocal quality became steady 6 months after the surgery. The supraglottal hyperfunction with supraglottal structure squeezing played an important role in phonation. The affected vocal fold mucosal wave was absent instead of a regular ventricular fold wave or mucosal wave of the vocal process during phonation. In comparison with the type III–IV cordectomy, the results of extended cordectomies (type Va and Vc) were worse; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Granulomas and anterior commissure webs were present. All granulomas resolved spontaneously 3 months postoperatively.