Prospective Outcomes of Microlaryngoscopy Versus Office Laser Photoangiolysis for Vocal Fold Polyps

Abstract

Objective(s)The objective of this study is to compare treatment outcomes for vocal fold polyps (VFPs) between operating room microlaryngoscopy and office‐based photoangiolysis with the potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser.MethodsProspective nonrandomized cohort study of patients with VFPs undergoing microlaryngoscopy (“OR group”) or KTP laser photoangiolysis (“KTP group”). Voice outcomes (patient‐reported outcome measures [Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) and Singing VHI‐10 (SVHI‐10)], auditory‐perceptual measures [Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V)], videostroboscopic characteristics [Voice‐Vibratory Assessment of Laryngeal Imaging (VALI)], and acoustic and aerodynamic measures) were performed at baseline and regular intervals after intervention.ResultsForty‐four subjects (17 OR group, 27 KTP group) with VFPs were enrolled. Mean VHI‐10 significantly improved from baseline to each follow‐up interval in both groups, except for the 1–2‐week interval in the OR group. Mean SVHI‐10 improved for both groups at some intervals. Growth curve models and time‐to‐event analyses for patient‐reported outcomes did not differ between groups. There were significant improvements in all categories of auditory‐perceptual voice quality and some categories of videostroboscopic characteristics in both groups. No significant trends were identified in acoustic and aerodynamic measures. Improvements in most outcomes did not significantly differ between groups or based on polyp size. There were no major complications.ConclusionsSignificant improvements in patient‐reported voice outcomes measures, auditory‐perceptual voice evaluation, and videostroboscopic characteristics occur following surgical treatment of vocal fold polyps with either microlaryngoscopy or office‐based KTP laser. Long‐term voice outcomes do not significantly differ between treatment modalities.Level of EvidenceLevel 3 Laryngoscope, 2024