Quantification of voice enhancement after vocal cord augmentation with autologous abdominal fat in unilateral vocal cord palsy

Introduction 

Unilateral vocal cord palsy is associated with a therapy-requiring hoarseness. In case a logopedic voice therapy does not provide sufficient benefit, voice enhancement can be achieved by vocal cord augmentation with autologous abdominal fat. We collected subjective and objective parameters both pre- and postoperatively to quantify the improvement of the voice by vocal cord augmentation.

Methods 

We examined all patients (n = 14) who underwent vocal cord augmentation with autologous fat in unilateral vocal cord palsy in the years 2017 to 2021. In each case, before, as well as 2-3 months after surgery, a detailed voice assessment was carried out. At both times, the maximum tone duration, the maximum intensity (dB) and the Dysphonia Severitiy Index were determined. As a subjective measure of voice quality, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-9i) was queried.

Results 

Due to the vocal fold augmentation, the maximum tone duration increased on average from 6.6 (SD: 3.9) to 11.1 (SD: 5.7) seconds. The maximum possible volume improved from 76.4 dB (SD: 10.6) to 87.3 dB (SD: 9,0). The Dysphonia Severity Index rose from -9.5 (SD: 13.9) to 0.5 (SD: 2.4). The number of points in the VHI-9i decreased from 28.2 (SD: 4.2) to 15.5 (SD: 6.5) after surgery.

Conclusion 

The vocal fold augmentation significantly improved the parameters maximum tone duration, Jitter, the VHI-9i and the Dysphonia Severity Index significantly. Our results show that vocal cord augmentation with autologous fat is a suitable option if there is an existing indication to improve the voice and quality of life of our patients.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2022