Partial Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis or Paresis? In Search for the Accurate Diagnosis

Delides, Alexander; Kokotis, Panagiotis; Maragoudakis, Pavlos

doi:10.1155/2015/351704

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVP) as a consequence of thyroid surgery can be a challenge for laryngologists, as spontaneous recovery of vocal fold function is common but may take up to 12 months. 1-4 Insufficient glottic closure as a consequence of UVP during phonation can lead to severe vocal impairment with dysphonia and reduced vocal intensity. Knowledge of prognostic factors concerning the recovery of UVP would be helpful not only to plan subsequent therapies (such as vocal therapy or early vocal fold augmentation) but also to keep the patients informed about their prognosis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality of Voice and Prognostic Markers for the Recovery of Vocal Fold Paralysis After Thyroid Surgery

Reiter

Heyduck

Hoffmann

et al. 2019

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol

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Objectives: This study is set to analyze clinicopathological factors predicting the recovery of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVP) in patients after thyroid gland surgery. The quality of voice was additionally assessed in these patients. Methods: The charts and videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS) examinations of 84 consecutive patients with a complete UVP after surgery of the thyroid gland were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who fully recovered from vocal fold paralysis and those who failed to recover after a follow-up of 12 months. The quality of voice was analyzed among other things by determining the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Results: The UVP fully recovered in 52 of 84 (61.9%) patients. Positive mucosal waves (pMWs) on the paralyzed side, a minimal glottic gap <3 mm seen at the first postoperative VLS, age ≤50 years, and surgery duration ≤120 minutes were associated factors for a complete recovery of nerve function. The voice parameters improved independently from recovery of the paralysis in 90% of the patients. Conclusions: For patients with a poor prognosis of a UVP, early intervention may be beneficial. Thus, predicting factors for a full recovery of vocal fold motion would be a valuable tool. In our cohort, about 60% of recoveries could have been predicted using the above-mentioned parameters. Good quality of voice was independently reached in 90% of the cases.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%