Evolution of voice after transoral laser cordectomy for precancerous lesions and early glottic cancer

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To evaluate voice quality evolution after a transoral laser cordectomy (TLC) for precancerous lesions and early glottic cancer. Methods This prospective study enrolled 18 patients scheduled for TLC for high-grade dysplasia, Tis, T1, and T2 glottic squamous cell cancers, from May 2017 to March 2020. Patients were grouped according to the extent of TLC: Group I (n = 11, 61.1%): unilateral subepithelial or subligamental cordectomy; Group II (n = 7, 38.9%): unilateral transmuscular, total, or extended cordectomy. Voice quality parameters, including dysphonia grade (G), roughness (R), breathiness (B), maximal phonation time (MPT), jitter, and shimmer, were evaluated before, and at 6 weeks and 6 months after the TLC. Results In Group I, the degree of G and R items remained without substantial improvement 6 weeks after surgery; however, improved above the pre-surgery level up to 6 months after surgery. The MPT, jitter, and shimmer did not change significantly at 6 weeks or 6 months post-TLC. In Group II, G, R, and B remained significantly impaired even 6 months post-surgery. Jitter, and shimmer worsened at 6 weeks, but reached preoperative levels at 6 months post-surgery. MPT was significantly worse at 6 weeks and remained deteriorated at 6 months post-surgery. All measured parameters were significantly worse in Group II than in Group I at 6 weeks and 6 months post-surgery. No patient required a phonosurgical procedure. Conclusion After a TLC, voice quality evolution depended on the extent of surgery. It did not improve at 6 weeks post-surgery. Improvements in less extent cordectomies occurred between 6 weeks and 6 months post-surgery. Understanding voice development over time is important for counseling patients when considering phonosurgical procedures.