Efectividad de la terapia vocal versus tiroplastía en la voz de mujeres transgénero: una revisión integrativa / Effectiveness of vocal therapy versus thyroplasty in the voice of transgender women: an integrative review

Introducción. Las mujeres transgénero encuentran frecuentemente problemas en ajus-tar su voz a la frecuencia femenina. Para favorecer el cambio vocal deseado por estos in-dividuos, se ofrecen dos técnicas: una quirúrgica (tiroplastía) y otra clínica (terapia vocal). Objetivo. Esta revisión integrativa pretende verificar las publicaciones científicas relacionadas con las dos técnicas, observando cuál reporta mayor efectividad. Método. Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos, considerando las palabras clave: Transsexual Persons AND Voice Feminization AND Thyroplasty OR Voice Training. Resultados. Nueve artículos corresponden a estudios observacionales y tres utiliza-ron una metodología cuasi experimental. Los grupos estudiados incluyen un amplio espectro etario. Ninguno de los estudios informa aspectos económicos de las inter-venciones. No existe evidencia de seguimiento a largo plazo. Conclusiones. La vía de tratamiento vocal con adición hormonal puede ser una primera línea, y en caso de no reportar mejoras, la cirugía aparece como otra opción.Recomendación. La recomendación es que se realice terapia vocal, que no im-plica riesgos significativos de complicaciones, siendo además un abordaje relativa-mente económico.

Introduction. Transsexual women frequently encounter problems in adjusting their voices to the characteristics of their new gender. In order to help in the change to the desired voice, two techniques are often used: the surgical (Thyroplasty) and clinical (Speech Therapy). Objective. The aim of this integrative study is to verify through scientific publications the relationship between the two techniques and observe which is the most effective.Method. A systematic database search was conducted considering the keywords: Transsexual Persons AND Voice Feminization AND Thyroplasty OR Voice Training.Results. Nine articles corresponded to observational studies and three used a qua-si-experimental methodology. The groups studied include a broad age spectrum and the quality of the evidence is low. No study reports economic aspects of the interven-tions. There is no evidence of long-term follow-up. Conclusions. The vocal treatment route with hormonal addition can be a first line, and, in case of not reporting improvements, surgery appears as another option.Recommendation. The recommendation is for Speech Therapy, which has no significant risks of complications and is relatively cheap.

Cervical plexus block as an alternative anesthetic approach for type I thyroplasty: a case report / Bloqueio do plexo cervical como técnica anestésica alternativa para tireoplastia tipo I: relato de caso

Abstract Background: The role of type I thyroplasty (TIP) is well established as the treatment for glottal insufficiency due to vocal fold paralysis, but the ideal anesthetic management for this procedure is still largely debated. We present the case of a novel anesthetic approach for TIP using combined intermediate and superficial Cervical Plexus Block (CPB) and intermittent mild sedation analgesia. Case report: A 51-year-old presenting with left vocal fold paralysis and obstructive sleep apnea was scheduled for TIP. An ultrasound-guided intermediate CPB was performed using the posterior approach, and 15 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% were injected in the posterior cervical space between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the prevertebral fascia. Then, for the superficial CPB, a total of 10 mL 0.5% ropivacaine was injected subcutaneously, adjacently to the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, without penetrating the investing fascia An intermittent sedation analgesia with a target-controlled infusion of remifentanyl (target 0.5 ng.mL-1) was used to facilitate prosthesis insertion and the fiberoptic laryngoscopy. This technique offered a safe anesthetic airway and good operating conditions for the surgeon, as well as feasible voice monitoring and optimal patient comfort. Conclusion: The use of a regional technique is a promising method for the anesthetic management in TIP, especially in patients with compromised airway.

Resumo Introdução: O papel da tireoplastia tipo I (TPI) está bem estabelecido no tratamento de insuficiência glótica após a paralisia das pregas vocais, mas o manejo anestésico ideal para a TPI ainda é controverso. Descrevemos uma nova técnica anestésica para a TPI usando o Bloqueio do Plexo Cervical (BPC) superficial e o BPC intermediário associados, em presença de analgo-sedação leve e intermitente. Relato de caso: Paciente de 51 anos de idade com paralisia da prega vocal esquerda e apneia obstrutiva do sono foi agendada para TPI. BPC intermediário guiado por ultrassom foi realizado usando acesso posterior, e 15 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5% foram injetados no espaço cervical posterior entre o músculo esternocleidomastoideo e a fáscia prevertebral. A seguir, para o BPC superficial, 10 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5% foram injetados na região subcutânea adjacente à borda posterior do músculo esternocleidomastoideo, sem transfixar a fáscia de revestimento. Analgo-sedação intermitente com infusão alvo-controlada de remifentanil (alvo de 0,5 ng.mL-1) foi usada para facilitar a inserção da prótese e a laringoscopia com fibra ótica. A técnica ofereceu via aérea segura durante a anestesia, boa condição para o cirurgião, possibilidade de monitorar a voz, além de ótimo conforto à paciente. Conclusões: O uso de anestesia regional é uma técnica promissora para o cuidado anestésico durante a TPI, especialmente em pacientes com via aérea comprometida.

Hemitiroidectomía izquierda más tiroplastia con anestesia local. Reporte de un caso / Left hemithyroidectomy plus thyroplasty with local anesthesia. A case report

Resumen La asociación entre parálisis cordal y nódulo tiroideo es sugestiva de malignidad; por lo general, se trata de un carcinoma de la glándula tiroides con un tumor avanzado. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con carcinoma papilar de tiroides, parálisis cordal izquierda con aspiración bronquial y complicaciones pulmonares severas, a quien se le realizó hemitiroidectomía izquierda más tiroplastia con anestesia local y control endoscópico utilizando injerto de politetrafluoroetileno en forma artesanal. La evolución quirúrgica mostró buen resultado a corto plazo (13 meses), sin complicaciones relacionadas, fonación aceptable, con ganancia ponderal y sin nuevas complicaciones pulmonares. No existen hasta el momento de realizar este manuscrito reportes de cirugía de tiroides más tiroplastia con anestesia local. Se requiere una serie con mayor número de casos para llegar a conclusiones de validez.

Abstract The association between chordal paralysis and thyroid nodule is suggestive of malignancy, and it is usually a carcinoma of the thyroid gland with an advanced tumor. We present the case of a patient with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, left cordal paralysis with bronchial aspiration and severe pulmonary complications who underwent left hemithyroidectomy plus thyroplasty with local anesthesia and endoscopic control using handcrafted polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The surgical evolution showed good short-term results (13 months) without related complications, acceptable phonation, with weight gain and without new pulmonary complications. There are no reports of thyroid surgery plus thyroplasty with local anesthesia at the time of this manuscript. A series with a greater number of cases is required in order to draw valid conclusions.

Progress of the laryngeal framework surgery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Isshiki systematically developed thyroplasty in the 1970 s. Based on Isshiki′s classification of thyroplasty, laryngeal framework surgery was classified by the Phonosurgery Committee of the European Laryngological Society in 2001. Then laryngeal framework surgery became more systematic and standardized, and made new progress in clinical applications and basic theoretical research. This article mainly expounds new progress in laryngeal framework surgery over the last five years.

Tiroplastía de medialización con Gore-Tex®: experiencia de 8 años en Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Medialization thyroplasty with Gore-Tex®: 8 years experience in Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile

Introducción: La parálisis de cuerda vocal causa disfonía y puede ser complicación posterior a ciertas cirugías. Existen diversos tratamientos, uno de ellos es la tiroplastía de medialización, procedimiento realizado con anestesia local, permitiendo un fino ajuste de la voz. Objetivo: Analizar la experiencia en tiroplastía de medialización con Gore-tex® en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre los años 2008-2016. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, con revisión de fichas clínicas de los pacientes que fueron sometidos a tiroplastía de medialización. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizará la prueba Wilcoxon. Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 21 pacientes, correspondientes a 24 tiroplastías de medialización. La edad promedio fue 54,2 años, 13 parálisis fueron secundarias a cirugía y 8 idiopáticas. En 17 pacientes se obtuvo la encuesta VHI-10 en el pre y posoperatorio, con valores promedio de 33,2y 17,4 (p =0,0003). Cinco pacientes requirieron de algún procedimiento complementario, entre 4 y 22 meses poscirugía: inyección de grasa, de Radiesse y refuerzo con otra prótesis de Gore-teX®. Conclusión: La tiroplastía de medialización es excelente para tratar la parálisis de cuerda vocal unilateral no recuperada en forma espontánea, siendo la encuesta VHI-10 una buena herramienta para evaluar la calidad de la voz.

Introduction: Vocal cord paralysis can cause hoarseness and coud be a complications to following certain surgeries. In its treatment, there are several alternatives, one of them is the medialization thyroplasty. This procedure, is performed under local anesthesia, allowing the fine-tune of the voice. Aim: To analyze the experience in Medialization Thyroplasty with Gore-tex in the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile between 2008 and 2016. Material and method: Retrospective and descriptive, with the review of patient's clinical records who were treated with medialization thyroplasty. The data analysis is done using Wilcoxon test. Results: Data from 21 patients, corresponding to 24 medialization thyroplasty. The average age was 54.2 years old, 13 paralysis were secondary to surgeries and 8 were Idiopathic. In 17 patients it was posible to get the VHI-10 survey in the pre and postoperative, with an average value of 33.2 and 17.4 (p =0.0003). Five patients required some additional procedure, between 4 and 22 months post surgery: injection of fat, Radiesse and installation of a new Gore-tex prosthesis Conclusions: Medialization thyroplasty is an excellent method to treat paralysis of unilateral vocal cord in cases when is not recovered spontaneously, being the VHI-10 survey a good tool for assessing voice quality.

Comparison of Voice Outcomes between Medialization Thyroplasty and Arytenoid Adduction with or without Injection Laryngoplasty in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In unilateral vocal fold paralysis (VFP), medialization thyroplasty (MT), arytenoid adduction (AA) and injection layrngoplasty (IL) are the most common procedures to correct phonatory problems. There is no consensus that which procedure is superior to the other for correcting the glottal insufficiency. The purpose of this study was to compare the phonatory parameters between MT, AA and AA with IL (AA+IL) in patients with unilateral VFP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients from 2005 to 2016. Total 72 patients (49 male, 23 female, mean age 54.5 years) were classified into three groups ; MT (n=28), AA (n=12), and AA+IL (n=32). GRBAS scales, maximum phonation time (MPT), jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio (NHR), and voice handicap index (VHI)-10 and VHI-30 were preoperatively and postoperatively collected and compared between the three groups. RESULTS: Age, gender and cause of VFP were not significantly different between the three groups. In MT and AA groups, MPT, VHI, G (overall grade) and B (breathiness) were significantly improved. In AA+IL group, jitter, shimmer, NHR, MPT, VHI, G and B were significantly improved. In analysis of differences (pre-postoperative values), Δ jitter (p < 0.001), Δ shimmer (p=0.031), and Δ NHR (p=0.002) were significantly different and AA+IL group showed the greatest improvement. CONCLUSION: Analysis of voice parameters showed that all the three procedures for patients with unilateral VFP are effective in the improvement of voice ; especially in MPT, VHI-10, G and B scales. Compared to the others, AA+IL provided the better acoustic values including jitter, shimmer and NHR.

Gore-Tex Medialisation Thyroplasty for Unilateral Vocal Cord Palsy: A Tertiary Centre 7 Years Experience

The resultant dysphonia and aspiration in unilateral vocal cord palsy can be overcome with medialisation thyroplasty. With this background, we aim to determine the aetiology of the unilateral vocal cord palsy and effectiveness of the phonosurgical procedure with Gore-Tex as a sole treatment. Methods: Within a seven year period, 37 Gore-Tex medialisation thyroplasty were performed for unilateral vocal cord palsy at our institution and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: There were 18 males and 19 females with mean age of 48.7 years (range 19–81 years). The predominant aetiology was thyroidectomy (43.2%) with benign thyroid disease predominates (n=13) over thyroid malignancy (n=3). Voice outcome was evaluated subjectively using visual analogue scoring system, results indicating that Gore-Tex medialisation thyroplasty was effective in addressing dysphonia in 62.5% (n=15) patients. However it alone cannot address aspiration seen in those with high vagal nerve lesion. Airway compromise occurred in two cases postoperatively (5.4%) presenting as acute stridor. Conclusion: In unilateral vocal cord palsy, Gore-Tex medialisation thyroplasty can effectively improve the resultant dysphonia and often accompanying aspiration which would otherwise be disabling for the patients.

Medialization thyroplasty using a pocket and silicone implant technique

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> To describe a new method of medialization thyroplasty using a modified preformed nasal silicone implant.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong> <br /><strong>Design:</strong> Surgical Innovation<br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Tertiary Private Hospital<br /><strong>Participants:</strong> Four patients underwent medialization thyroplasty using a pocket and nasal implant technique performed by the senior co-author. The indication for medialization thyroplasty for these patients was hoarseness secondary to unilateral vocal fold paralysis of more than 6 months duration, and documented by flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. The outcomes were described with comparison of pre- and post-operative subjective voice assessment. <br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Operative time was 15-30 minutes. Postoperative subjective improvement of voice quality was evident. Scars were minimal and aesthetically acceptable. The procedure could be done on an outpatient basis.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Medialization thyroplasty via a pocket and silicone implant technique is initially effective and may be a worthwhile alternative to the usual window technique.</p>

Voice outcome after gore-tex medialization thyroplasty

Introduction Although medialization thyroplasty utilizing Gore-Tex (Gore and Associates, Newark, Delaware, United States) has been discussed in the literature, few reports have assessed voice quality afterward, and they did not use a full assessment protocol. Objective To assess the improvement in voice quality after medialization thyroplasty utilizing Gore-Tex in patients with glottic insufficiency of variable etiology. Methods Eleven patients with glottic insufficiency of different etiologies that failed compensation were operated by type 1 thyroplasty utilizing Gore-Tex. Pre- and postoperative (1 week, 3 months, and 6 months) voice assessment was done and statistical analysis was performed on the results. Results In all postoperative assessments, there was significant improvement in the grade of dysphonia (p < 0.004) and highly significant reduction in the size of glottic gap and prolongation of maximum phonation time (p < 0.0001). The difference in voice parameters in the early (1 week) and the late (3 and 6months) postoperative period was not significant. None of the patients developed stridor or shortness of breath necessitating tracheotomy, and there was no implant extrusion in any patient during the study period. Conclusion Gore-Tex medialization provides reliable results for both subjective and objective voice parameters. It leads to a satisfactory restoration of voice whatever the etiology of glottic incompetence is. This technique is relatively easy and does not lead to major complications. Further studies with larger number of patients andmore extended periods of follow-up are still required to assess the long-term results of the technique regarding voice quality and implant extrusion.

Medialization Thyroplasty Using Autologous Nasal Septal Cartilage for Treating Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

OBJECTIVES: A persistent insufficiency of glottal closure is mostly a consequence of impaired unilateral vocal fold movement. Functional surgical treatment is required because of the consequential voice, breathing and swallowing impairments. The goal of the study was to determine the functional voice outcomes after medialization thyroplasty with using autologous septal cartilage from the nose. METHODS: External vocal fold medialization using autologous nasal septal cartilage was performed on 15 patients (6 females and 9 males; age range, 30 to 57 years). Detailed functional examinations were performed for all the patients before and after the surgery and this included perceptual voice assessment, laryngostroboscopic examination and acoustic voice analysis. RESULTS: All the patients reported improvement of voice quality post-operatively. Laryngostroboscopy revealed almost complete glottal closure after surgery in the majority of patients. Acoustic and perceptual voice assessment showed significant improvement post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Medialization thyroplasty using an autologous nasal septal cartilage implant offers good tissue tolerability and significant improvement of the subjective and objective functional voice outcomes.

Self-designed adjustable titanium screw in treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis: An observation of curative effects / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To observe the curative effects of self-designed adjustable titanium screw in treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis in dogs. Methods: We designed and prepared an adjustable titanium screw. The beagle dogs were divided into an experimental group and a control group (n = 3) at random. Animals in the experimental group had their left recurrent laryngeal nerve resected and received implantation of adjustable titanium screw. The left arytenoid cartilage was adjusted to allow the left vocal cord in the middle, so as to achieve glottis closure when making a sound. The dogs in the control group only received recurrent laryngeal nerve resection. Observation with electron fibrolaryngoscope and CT was done immediately, 1, 2, and 4 months after operation: electron fibrolaryngoscope was also used before operation. The curative effects and the prognoses of dogs were observed. Results: Four months after operation electron fibrolaryngoscope found that the adjustable screw in the experimental group could make the left arytenoid cartilage move inwardly, benefiting glottis closure and improving the voice quality. Animals in the control group had their left vocal cord located in the paramedina position, and there was cleft during glottis closure. CT image indicated that the adjustable screw was in a good position, and there was no breaking off. Local slight inflammation was seen in both groups 1, 2, and 4 moths after operation. Tntrinsic laryngeal muscle atrophy aggravated as time passing by. There was no severe inflammation around the implants or implants excretion. Conclusion: Our adjustable screw is easy to perform in surgical treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis; it can be adjusted during operation and the outcome can be observed in time. The short-time effect is confirmed and the method is worth popularizing.

Thyroid Cartilage and Vocal Cord Reduction for Androphonia and Male to Female Transsexuals / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is little literature about voice surgery for females with androphonia and male-female transsexuals. Therefore, we introduced surgical techniques and voice results of thyroid cartilage and vocal cord reduction for these patients. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: From May 2001 to January 2007, 3 patients were found with thyroid cartilage and vocal cord reduction. We checked their preoperative and postoperative voice recordings, voice dynamic data and patients' subjective satisfaction with their postoperative voice. The two patients were female with androphonia and the remaining one patient was a male to female transsexuals. RESULTS: All three patients were satisfied with their postoperative voice. In the objective voice recording, the mean fundamental frequency (Fo) increased to 195 Hz from the preoperative value of 148 Hz. Furthermore, the patient who was to undergo the trans-sexual operation was more satisfied by gaining a more female appearance by losing the thyroid cartilage prominence. CONCLUSION: Thyroid cartilage and vocal cord reduction could give satisfactory voice quality to females with androphonia and male-female transsexuals. It is an effective surgical method to elevate vocal pitch. The long-term follow up would be needed.

A Clinical Review on 197 Cases of Phonosurgery / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to analyze the results of the laryngeal framework surgery (LFS) in one institute during 12 years. We reviewed the present position of LFS in the phonosurgery field and discussed the prospects for this type of surgery in the future. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: One hundred seventy nine charts of patients who underwent LFS in Yongdong Severance hospital from 1992 to 2003 were reviewed. Types of procedures were made according to the classification/ nomenclature of European Laryngological Society. RESULTS: One hundred ninty seven operations had been performed during 12 years in 179 patients. Type I thyroplasty was the most common procedure (28.9%). Type I thyroplasty+Arytenoid adduction (26.4%), Type III thyroplasty (16.8%), Arytenoid adduction (15.2%), Injection medialization (11.2%), Type IV thryroplasty (1.5%) followed in the order of most commonly operated choices. Of 197 cases, 18 cases were revision. There was only one major complication (dyspnea). A variety of dysphonias, which include vocal fold paralysis (71.5%), various pitch problems (mutational dysphonia (14%), androphonia (1.1%)), glottal insufficiency (12.8%), and some cases of spasmodic dysphonia (0.6%), had been treated with LFS. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal framework surgery is a new type of surgery that aims to improve the voice by restructuring the laryngeal framework. This type of surgery has become increasingly popular, because it has been found to be safe and effective.

Voice and Imaging Analysis After Thyroplasty Type l in the Treatment of Unilateral Vocal Paralysis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:There are several methods to improve voice quality in the patients with paralyzed vocal cord, such as thyroplasty type I, injection, arytenoid adduction. The goal of surgical medialization of the paralyzed vocal fold is to attain complete glottic closure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of thyroplasty type I through qualifying the vocal function and glottal gap. MATERIALS & METHODS: We experienced 20 cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent thyroplasty type I. We performed preoperative and postoperative videoimage analysis (normalized glottal gap area) and computer-assisted voice analysis in all patients. RESULTS: The glottal gap was significantly reduced after thyroplasty type I. Postoperative voice quality was characterized by an improved pitch and amplitude perturbation (jitter and shimmer), maximum phonation time and subglottic pressure . But noise to harmonic ratio was not improved. CONCLUSION: Thyroplasty type I is an effective method in the point of regaining glottal closure and vocal function.

Effects of Arytenoid Adduction and Type I Thyroplasty Combined Surgery for Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis / 대한이비인후과학회지

Type I thyroplasty, we know, could not overcome the large posterior glottal chink and arytenoid adduction have been proved to be uneffective in the cases of unilateral vocal cord paralysis with vocal cord atrophy or bowing deformity. So we performed type I thyroplasty in conjunction with arytenoid adduction and tried to compare the postoperative results with that of arytenoid adduction. We experienced 8 cases of arytenoid adductions and 6 cases of combined operations in the cases of unilateral vocal cord paralysis. All 14 patients had large posterior glottal chink. In order to compare the postoperative voice results of two groups as objective as possible, we performed preoperative and postoperative videoimage analysis(chink size, interarytenoid distance) and computer-assisted voice analysis(MPT, Jitter, Shimmer, S/N ratio). As a results, the postoperative voice outcome is superior with the combined operation than with the arytenoid adduction only in the cases of unilateral vocal cord paralysis with large glottal chink.