Acoustic and perceptual evaluation of laryngeal reinnervation by ansa cervicalis transfer

Objectives/Hypothesis: To evaluate the acoustic and perceptual results of laryngeal reinnervation with ansa cervicalis to recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis. Study Design: Retrospective study of voice samples from 12 patients with unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, treated with ansa cervicalis to recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis. Samples were recorded before surgery and at least 8 months after surgery. Methods: The samples were subjected to several acoustic analyses sensitive to paralytic dysphonia, including cepstral peak prominence, noise-to-harmonics ratio, and measures of frequency and amplitude perturbation. The voice samples from the patients were randomized with age- and sexmatched samples from normal subjects and judged by trained listeners for overall dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain. The preoperative and postoperative results were compared statistically, and the postoperative results were compared with the matched normal subjects. Results: As a group, the patients showed improvement (P < .05) in cepstral peak prominence, frequency perturbation, and perceptual judgments of overall dysphonia, breathiness, and asthenia. The best results occurred in patients with isolated vocal fold paralysis. The postoperative group as a whole did not improve to the level seen in matched normals. Suboptimal results were seen primarily in patients with untreated laryngeal or extralaryngeal pathology beyond the laryngeal paralysis. Conclusions: These data suggest that laryngeal reinnervation has the potential to bring about a return to normal or near-normal voice in patients with isolated unilateral vocal fold paralysis.     

Voice disorders in childhood

Voice disorders in the pediatric population are relatively common. The education of families, teachers and clinical staff on etiology and treatment of pediatric voice disorders have led to greater attention being paid to hoarseness in childhood and improving early detection of pediatric voice disorders. Pediatric voice problems can have a number of causes. Most commonly, childhood dysphonia is caused by vocal fold nodules due vocal ab- and misuse. Other reasons might be congenital laryngeal dysplasia, vocal fold cysts and laryngeal papilloma. Medical examination is necessary in order to initiate appropriate treatment. In the case of vocal fold cysts and laryngeal papilloma, phonosurgery is indicated. Vocal fold nodules should be treated by voice therapy in order to change vocal behaviour. If voice therapy fails, phonosurgical intervention is recommended, since vocal fold nodules can persist into adulthood with a negative impact on voice quality.     

Ventricular dysphonia: clinical aspects and therapeutic options

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Ventricular dysphonia, also known as dysphonia plica ventricularis, refers to the pathological interference of the false vocal folds during phonation. Despite its low incidence and prevalence, Vd is a well-known phenomenon in voice clinics. The present report reviews symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic options regarding this voice disorder. STUDY DESIGN: Literature review and case studies. METHODS: The literature pertaining to all clinical aspects of V(D) was reviewed to define diagnostic and therapeutic clinical decision making. RESULTS: Ventricular dysphonia is characterized by a typical rough, low-pitched voice quality resulting from false vocal fold vibration. Ventricular dysphonia may be compensatory when true vocal folds are affected (resection, paralysis). Noncompensatory types may be of habitual, psychoemotional, or idiopathic origin. Because perceptual symptoms may vary considerably, diagnosis should rely on a meticulous voice assessment, including laryngeal videostroboscopic, perceptual, aerodynamic, and acoustic evaluation. Various therapeutic approaches for the noncompensatory type of ventricular dysphonia may be considered: voice therapy, psychotherapy, anesthetic or botulinum toxin injections, or surgery. CONCLUSION: The study presents the state of the art with respect to ventricular dysphonia and may be helpful in diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making.     

Ansa-RLN reinnervation for unilateral vocal fold paralysis in adolescents and young adults

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the outcomes of management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis by ansa-RLN reinnervation in a series of patients ages 12-21. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical outcomes study. METHODS: Six consecutive adolescents and young adults (ages 12-21 years) seeking treatment for unilateral vocal fold paralysis and glottal incompetence underwent ansa-RLN neurorraphy. Pre- and post-operative voice recordings acquired at least 1 year following surgery were submitted to acoustic and perceptual analysis. Patient-based measures were also taken. RESULTS: Mean perceptual visual analogue scale rating of dysphonia severity (0mm=profoundly abnormal voice, 100mm=completely normal voice) improved from 50mm pre-operatively to 82mm post-operatively. Mean maximum phonation time improved from 6.5s to 13.2s. Pitch and dynamic range were also observed to improve. Global self-ratings of voice function (0-100%) increased from 31.2% to 81.6% of normal. CONCLUSIONS: Ansa-RLN reinnervation is an effective treatment option for adolescents and young adults with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The procedure has the potential to improve vocal function substantially, especially in those with isolated paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The procedure alleviates the disadvantages associated with other surgical options for this age group.     

支撑喉镜下喉硅胶膜置入及声带缝合手术治疗喉蹼

目的探讨喉硅胶膜置入及声带黏膜缝合术在治疗喉蹼中的价值及预后转归。方法21例喉蹼患者，4例儿童，17例成人；其中既往有双侧声带手术史（声带任克水肿、声带小结、声带息肉、声带角化）8例，喉乳头状瘤手术史6例，喉部外伤史6例，先天性喉蹼1例。患者在全麻支撑喉镜下行喉蹼瘢痕松解后，15例成人行声带黏膜缝合及喉硅胶膜置入术；4例儿童及2例成人行单纯声带黏膜缝合术。结果15例喉硅胶膜置入患者3—4周后取出支撑的硅胶膜，除1例既往曾有喉裂开史，治疗后前联合处仍残留2—3mm粘连带外，其余14例患者声带前联合均获得良好三角形形态，发音明显改善，无呼吸困难。6例行单纯声带黏膜缝合患者呼吸及发音得到明显改善，2例成年患者前联合处残存2～3mm正常黏膜，术后声带即获得很好成形效果；4例患儿术后前联合残留2—3mm粘连。全部患者随诊6个月-3年，无瘢痕再生。结论喉硅胶膜置入及声带缝合手术治疗喉蹼，利于患者呼吸及发音功能的改善，避免颈外入路手术或气管切开及长期声门支撑，创伤小，并发症少。而声带黏膜单纯缝合手术还可以单独应用于粘连带相对较薄（小于5mm）、黏膜相对丰富的儿童及前联合残存正常黏膜的喉蹼患者。     

痉挛性发音障碍的喉功能特点

目的 为了探讨痉挛性发音障碍的喉功能特点及其发音障碍的表现形式。方法 对24例痉挛性发音障碍患者（男4例,女18例）的发病诱因、发音障碍特征、喉镜所见、喉肌电及喉空气动力学改变进行了分析。结果 痉挛性发音障碍主要表现为音韵及声音的流畅性障碍,主观听觉上以紧张性发音障碍为特点;喉镜检查可看到痉挛性发音时声带过度内收,室带不同程度的内收超越,重者声带强烈内收,会厌、室带以及整个喉呈闭锁状态;典型的喉肌电图所见为束发性放电;喉呼气流率明显减少。结论 痉挛性发音障碍伴随着紧张性发音的同时声带或整个喉强烈内收痉挛,同时伴有呼气流率下降,典型病例可看到喉肌电的改变。     

Voice and vocal fold position in men with unilateral vocal fold paralysis

The paralyzed vocal fold positioning and the degree of dysphonia are important inputs when one is deciding upon treatment options for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).ObjectiveTo check voice characteristics and paralyzed vocal fold position in men with UVFP.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective historical cross-sectional cohort study, with data from 24 men with UVFP with mean age of 60.7 years, submitted to voice assessment by three speech therapists and three ENT physicians used laryngeal images to classify the position of the paralyzed vocal fold.ResultsThe paralyzed vocal fold was found in the paramedian position in 45.83% of the cases; in the intermediary position in 25%; lateral in 20.83%, and it was in the median position in 4.16%; the dysphonia resulting from the UVFP was characterized by moderate hoarseness, roughness and stress in the voice; breathiness (most had severe breathiness); weakness and instability(mostly mild); the position of the paralyzed vocal fold had a significant influence on the general degree of vocal deviation.ConclusionThe general degree of dysphonia is associated with the paralyzed vocal fold position; dysphonia is characterized by hoarseness, breathiness, roughness and stress of moderate to severe levels.     

Helicobacter pylori colonization in the larynges of patients with hoarseness

OBJECTIVES: Vocal nodules and polyps are two common noninfectious causes of hoarseness. Patients with persistent hoarseness often require microscopic laryngeal surgery to excise mass lesions of the larynx despite extensive voice resting and modification of voice use behavior. Helicobacter pylori has recently been reported to present in the upper aerodigestive tract. This study applies the rapid urease test to determine the colonization of Helicobacter pylori in surgical specimens of patients with vocal nodules and polyps. METHODS: In this prospective study, 53 consecutive patients with vocal nodules (n = 20) or vocal polyps (n = 33) were investigated from November 2004 to July 2005. Microscopic laryngeal surgery was performed in all cases. Tissue specimens harvested from the larynx were analyzed using the rapid urease test. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 33 females and 20 males with a mean age of 43.1 +/- 9.9 years. Thirteen (24.5%) of the 53 patients revealed Helicobacter pylori colonization, and all were histopathologically diagnosed with vocal polyps. The difference in incidence of Helicobacter pylori colonization between vocal nodules and vocal polyps was statistically significant (0% [0/20] vs. 39.4% [13/33], P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter pylori often colonizes in the larynxes of patients with vocal polyps. These results indicate the involvement of Helicobacter pylori in vocal polyps. However, the presence of Helicobacter pylori as an etiologic factor in vocal polyps remains inconclusive.     

Laryngeal synkinesis revisited

First described in 1982, laryngeal synkinesis continues to play an important diagnostic and therapeutic role following recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. Vocal fold motion impairment (formerly called "vocal cord paralysis"), hyperadducted and hyperabducted vocal folds, and certain laryngeal spasmodic and tremor disorders are often best explained by synkinesis. A closer look at these mechanisms confirms that following RLN injury, immobile vocal folds may be nearly normally functional (favorable), or spastic, hyperadducted, or hyperabducted (unfavorable). This has resulted in a functional classification of laryngeal synkinesis as follows: type I laryngeal synkinesis, with satisfactory voice and airway (vocal fold poorly mobile, or immobile); type II synkinesis, with spasmodic vocal folds and an unsatisfactory voice and/or airway; type III synkinesis, with hyperadducted vocal folds and airway compromise; and type IV synkinesis, with hyperabducted vocal folds, poor voice, and possible aspiration. This classification facilitates the understanding of laryngeal pathophysiology following RLN injuries and promotes a more scientific basis for management.     

Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in laryngeal dystonia

Spasmodic dysphonia is a focal laryngeal dystonia. It presents as: adductor spasmodic dysphonia with the strain-strangle voice; abductor spasmodic dysphonia with whispering voice and breathy breaks in connected speech; and adductor respiratory dystonia with paradoxical vocal fold movements and stridor. It is most commonly treated by the intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin. In this article, the authors discuss difficulties in making diagnosis and treatment in patients with laryngeal dystonia concerning their own cases.     

Intermediate results of 306 recurrent laryngeal nerve sections for spastic dysphonia

Recurrent laryngeal nerve section for spastic dysphonia was first performed in 1975 because prior forms of treatment had failed. Virtually every patient has had a detailed postoperative follow-up which includes a tape recording and a self-assessment questionnaire. The majority of patients remain free of spasticity at this medium-term follow-up. In some, spasticity recurred with less than preoperative severity, A small percentage of patients have a persistent breathy phonation. The first group is treated with vocal fold lateralization procedure using the CO₂ laser; the second, with Teflon.® When needed, voice therapy is also given. This paper provides a basis for diagnosis, indications for surgery, primary and secondary surgical techniques, encountered problems, and medium-term follow-up results.     

Effects of short-term endotracheal intubation on vocal function

Transient voice change associated with endotracheal intubation has generally been attributed to vocal fold trauma. To assess the role of altered vocal fold function in transient voice change, a study was designed to evaluate the audioacoustic, endoscopic, and laryngostroboscopic characteristics of the postintubation voice. Vocal function of 10 patients undergoing short-term outpatient surgical procedures using general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation were studied preoperatively and postoperatively. A second group of 10 patients that did not have surgery or general anesthesia was used as an age-matched control. Fundamental frequency, frequency perturbation, electroglottography, endoscopy (including laryngeal stroboscopy), and subjective speech analysis by experienced listeners were used to assess vocal function. No consistent differences in fundamental frequency were observed, although patient-to-patient variation was marked. Statistically significant increases in cycle-to-cycle fundamental frequency variation (jitter) were found postoperatively in the majority of the postintubation patients (P less than 0.05). Electroglottography, laryngeal endoscopy, and stroboscopic laryngoscopy did not demonstrate consistent changes in glottic mucosal function. Listener judgments characterized the postintubation voice change by decreased intensity, increased roughness, and lowered affect without consistent changes in pitch. The perception of decreased affect in the voices (characterized by reduction in pitch variation, vocal stress, and increases in pause times) was a strong perceptual marker for change in the post-intubation voice. Objective measures of laryngeal function suggest that the glottic contribution to postintubation voice change is minimal and that this dysphonia is probably multifactorial.     

Progress in laryngeal framework surgery

This paper reviews progress in laryngeal framework surgery since it was first reported about 25 years ago. The success of this type of surgery requires both a basic knowledge of the physiology of phonation, in order to make decisions about the surgical procedure, and surgical skill, in order to accomplish the intended procedure successfully. The main reason for hoarseness is imperfect closure of the glottis, but the second most important reason for hoarseness, increased stiffness of the vocal fold, cannot be corrected by mere medialization of the vocal fold. Laryngeal framework surgery is different in concept from conventional surgery, which is intended to remove the lesion. Controversial points discussed here regarding type I thyroplasty include: (i) whether the cartilage window should be removed; (ii) materials for fixation of the window; and (iii) comparison of type I thyroplasty with arytenoid adduction. A new surgical treatment for spasmodic dysphonia and its results in three patients are described briefly. Surgery for raising the vocal pitch requires further improvement. In the future, laryngeal framework surgery will have wider application in treatment of dysphonias, such as asthenic voice due to atrophy in professional singers or aging, pitch problems in females and gender identity disorder and spasmodic dysphonia.     

Progress in Laryngeal Framework Surgery

This paper reviews progress in laryngeal framework surgery since it was first reported about 25 years ago. The success of this type of surgery requires both a basic knowledge of the physiology of phonation, in order to make decisions about the surgical procedure, and surgical skill, in order to accomplish the intended procedure successfully. The main reason for hoarseness is imperfect closure of the glottis, but the second most important reason for hoarseness, increased stiffness of the vocal fold, cannot be corrected by mere medialization of the vocal fold. Laryngeal framework surgery is different in concept from conventional surgery, which is intended to remove the lesion. Controversial points discussed here regarding type I thyroplasty include: (i) whether the cartilage window should be removed; (ii) materials for fixation of the window; and (iii) comparison of type I thyroplasty with arytenoid adduction. A new surgical treatment for spasmodic dysphonia and its results in three patients are described briefly. Surgery for raising the vocal pitch requires further improvement. In the future, laryngeal framework surgery will have wider application in treatment of dysphonias, such as asthenic voice due to atrophy in professional singers or aging, pitch problems in females and gender identity disorder and spasmodic dysphonia.     

Is voice therapy effective for the treatment of dysphonic patients with benign vocal fold lesions?

Objective

To update our knowledge regarding the effectiveness of voice therapy for the treatment of vocal disturbance associated with benign vocal fold lesions, including vocal polyps, nodules and cysts, and for determining the utility of voice therapy in treating organic voice disorders, while highlighting problems for the future development of this clinical field.

Botulinum toxin for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia is a focal laryngeal dystonia. Laryngeal dystonia presents as: adductor spasmodic dysphonia with the characteristic strain-strangle voice; abductor spasmodic dysphonia with hypophonia and breathy breaks in connected speech; and adductor respiratory dystonia with paradoxical vocal fold motion and intermittent stridor. Current treatment with periodic laryngeal intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin A has allowed patients to function more normally. In this article, the authors' treatment paradigm and experience in treating over 900 patients with laryngeal dystonia are discussed.     

闭合性喉外伤伴杓区损伤的临床特征和内镜下治疗

目的:探讨闭合性喉外伤伴杓区损伤的临床特征、内镜下手术治疗及疗效。方法:回顾性研究2007年4月至2018年12月因明显声音嘶哑就诊于首都医科大学附属北京同仁医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科的闭合性喉外伤伴杓区损伤患者12例,其中男10例,女2例,年龄7~48岁,中位年龄21岁,患者均在全身麻醉和支撑喉镜下行喉显微修复手术。评估其...     

Artificial manipulation of voice in the human by an implanted stimulator

Objectives/Hypothesis: Traditional approaches influencing voice quality (e.g., anatomical and chemical denervation for spasmodic dysphonia, surgical medialization for paralysis) have ignored the dynamic nature of the larynx. Study Design: We report here the first attempt to manipulate voice using an implanted stimulator to systematically control vocal fold adduction. Methods: Devices placed for aspiration in three subjects retaining speech after stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis were used to stimulate recurrent laryngeal nerves with 42 Hz, 52 to 200 microsecond pulses of incremental amplitudes during phonation with the tracheostomy tube occluded. Vocal fold adduction increased with stimulation strength (P < .05). Speech was analyzed with the Vox Metria program. Results: We found highly significant differences for fundamental frequency (P < .007), jitter (P < .004), and shimmer (P < .005), between natural and stimulated voice (aah and eeh) when using higher charges. Conclusions: Dynamic vocal fold manipulation seems promising in terms of versatility lacking with static approaches to voice control.     

Functional results after external vocal fold medialization thyroplasty with the titanium vocal fold medialization implant

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: A persistent insufficiency of glottal closure is mostly a consequence of a unilateral vocal fold movement impairment. It can also be caused by vocal fold atrophy or scarring processes with regular bilateral respiratory vocal fold function. Because of consequential voice, breathing, and swallowing impairments, a functional surgical treatment is required. The goal of the study was to outline the functional results after medialization thyroplasty with the titanium vocal fold medialization implant according to Friedrich. METHODS: In the period of 1999 to 2001, an external vocal fold medialization using the titanium implant was performed on 28 patients (12 women and 16 men). The patients were in the age range of 19 to 84 years. Twenty-two patients had a paralysis of the left-side vocal fold, and six patients, of the right-side vocal fold. Detailed functional examinations were executed on all patients before and after the surgery: perceptive voice sound analysis according to the "roughness, breathiness, and hoarseness" method, judgment of the s/z ratio and voice dysfunction index, voice range profile measurements, videostroboscopy, and pulmonary function tests. In case of dysphagia/aspiration, videofluoroscopy of swallowing was also performed. The respective data were statistically analyzed (paired t test, Wilcoxon-test). RESULTS: All patients reported on improvement of voice, swallowing, and breathing functions postoperatively. Videostroboscopy revealed an almost complete glottal closure after surgery in all of the patients. All voice-related parameters showed a significant improvement. An increase of the laryngeal resistance by the medialization procedure could be excluded by analysis of the pulmonary function test. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the external medialization of the vocal folds as an adequate method in the therapy of voice, swallowing, and breathing impairment attributable to an insufficient glottal closure. The titanium implant offers, apart from good tissue tolerability, the advantage of an easy, time-saving, and individually adjustable application during the operation.     

Common diagnoses and treatments in professional voice users

Common problems among all patients seen by the laryngologist are also common among professional voice users. These include laryngopharyngeal reflux, muscle tension dysphonia, fibrovascular vocal fold lesions (eg, nodules and polyps), cysts, vocal fold scarring, changes in vocal fold mobility, and age-related changes. Microvascular lesions and their associated sequelae of vocal fold hemorrhage and laryngitis due to voice overuse are more common among professional voice users. Much more common among professional voice users is the negative impact that voice problems have on their ability to work, on their overall sense of well-being, and sometimes on their very sense of self. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment options for these and other problems among professional voice users, describing the relevant roles of medical treatment, voice therapy, and surgery. The common scenario of multiple concomitant entities contributing to a symptom complex is underscored. Emphasis is placed on gaining insight into the "whole" patient so that individualized management plans can be developed. Videos of select diagnoses accompany this content online.