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Vocal dysfunction following cricothyroidotomy: A prospective study
Author(s) -
Hoist Magnus,
Hertegård Stellan,
Persson Anders
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-199007000-00011
Subject(s) - medicine , stroboscope , laryngoscopy , vocal folds , voice disorder , thyroid cartilage , phonation , audiology , surgery , anesthesia , larynx , intubation , electrical engineering , engineering
Voice dysfunction is a known consequence of cricothyroidotomy, but few detailed analyses have been published. This study reports an investigation of voice function in 19 patients who underwent cricothyroidotomy during a 12‐month period (54 were patients operated on, 29 survived the primary disease or injury, and 19 agreed to participate in the investigation). The patients were interviewed regarding signs of dysfunction of the cricothyroid muscles, or a diminished external tensor effect on the vocal folds. Laryngos‐copy with a magnifying‐angled endoscope, stroboscopy, phonetography, determination of mean speaking fundamental frequency, perceptual analysis of the voice, and electromyogram of the cricothyroid muscle were all performed. Four patients had signs of diminished external tensor effect on the vocal folds (mild or moderate voice dysfunction), 5 patients had other voice disorders, and 10 were classified as having normal voice. Elective cricothyroidotomy should be avoided in patients with professional or other activities that place heavy demands on the voice.