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Beka E, Gimm O. Voice Changes Without Laryngeal Nerve Alterations After Thyroidectomy: The Need For Prospective Trials - A Review Study. J Voice 2024; 38:231-238. [PMID: 34404582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroidectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure that is offered for different thyroid pathologies. The most frequent complication after total thyroidectomy is transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism followed by transient or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Patients may experience voice impairment despite intact laryngeal nerve function. These patients are of special interest because they experience subjective symptoms which are difficult to measure and therefore to treat. SUMMARY The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and VHI-10 are the most commonly used subjective questionnaires. Their results correlate with objective findings. Female sex, in particular after menopause, is a dominant factor for developing voice impairment after thyroidectomy. The extent of neck surgery and the weight and volume of the removed thyroid correlates directly with both objective and subjective voice impairment after surgery. Videolaryngostroboscopy should be considered to examine vocal cord pathologies in this patient group. Surprisingly, there are no studies showing that speech and voice therapy are beneficial for patients with voice alterations but with intact laryngeal nerves. CONCLUSIONS While recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis can be evaluated by objective exams postoperatively, we are still left with the issue of possible partial or complete external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) injury. It is therefore quite difficult to segregate neural (RLN and EBSLN) and non-neural voice change populations, regardless of the method of literature evaluation. Perhaps patients' perspectives on how they experience voice functionality should play a superior role in deciding which patients should be investigated further with laryngoscopy, acoustic or perceptual analysis, and which patients should be offered treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ervin Beka
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Oliver Gimm
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden
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2
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Haddou N, Idrissi N, Ben Jebara S. Analysis of Voice Quality After Thyroid Surgery. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(23)00208-4. [PMID: 37612171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Voice changes are a common complication after a thyroidectomy, which is a surgical procedure involving partial or total removal of the thyroid gland. The main objective of this work is to examine the possible voice disorders after thyroid surgery. More precisely, it is an investigation of partial and total thyroidectomy, as well as the effects that cancerous and noncancerous thyroid glands can have regarding postsurgical vocal and their association with age and gender. METHODS Patients were evaluated using acoustic voice parameters, including harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, speaker phonation frequency (SPF) range, cepstral peak prominence (CPP), maximum phonational frequency range (MPFR), and shimmer at the preoperative stage and postoperatively at the 1 day, and first-month stages. RESULTS Results demonstrated a significant change in F0 parameters, SPF range, and CPP feature 1 month after surgery, depending on the type of thyroidectomy and thyroid pathology. No significant changes were observed in the HNR, shimmer, and jitter features. Age was associated with the CPP parameter in the entire sample. In contrast, the MPFR parameter was also related to the type of thyroidectomy in the entire sample. However, maximum F0 was significantly associated with the type of thyroidectomy, specifically in the female sample. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated that a thyroidectomy can have a negative impact on voice quality. The age and type of thyroidectomy performed are not responsible for this change. Potentially this change can be due to factors such as nerve damage or the subjects' experience, such as job, anxiety, and their physical condition, as well as treatments they may have undergone before thyroidectomy. Further efforts are needed to fully understand the background of voice changes after thyroidectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Haddou
- Data4Earth Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco.
| | - Najlae Idrissi
- Data4Earth Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Sofia Ben Jebara
- Higher School of Communication of Tunis, Research Lab COSIM, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia
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3
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Papini E, Hegedüs L. Minimally Invasive Ablative Treatments for Benign Thyroid Nodules: Current Evidence and Future Directions. Thyroid 2023; 33:890-893. [PMID: 37265153 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano, Italy
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University, Odense, Denmark
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4
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Sorensen JR, Døssing H, Watt T, Cramon P, Hegedüs L, Bonnema SJ, Folkestad L. The Effect of Laser Thermal Ablation on Quality of Life: Improvements in Patients with Solid-Cystic Thyroid Nodules. Thyroid 2022; 32:917-925. [PMID: 35570722 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Evidence of the efficacy of laser thermal ablation (LTA) in benign thyroid nodules is abundant. However, little is known about the effect on quality of life (QoL) of this treatment. Methods: Prospective cohort study investigating the effect of LTA before, three, and six months after LTA on QoL using the thyroid-specific patient-reported outcome (ThyPRO) measure. Patients receiving LTA (laser group [LG]) was compared with a well-characterized control group (CG) from the Danish civil registry. Results: The LG comprised 54 patients, with no age or sex differences compared with the CG (n = 739). Sixty-nine percent of the patients had a recurrent cystic thyroid nodule, 6% had a solid nodule, while the remaining 25% were of mixed character. The median nodule volume was 6.8 mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.0-11.1) before LTA, and 1.8 mL (IQR: 0.6-4.1) at 6 months post-LTA (p < 0.001), corresponding to a median reduction of 78%. All cystic fluid (median: 6 mL; IQR: 2.0-9.0) was aspirated before LTA. Median treatment time was 400 seconds (IQR: 300-600), applying a median energy of 823 J (IQR: 600-1200). At baseline and according to the ThyPRO scales, the LG differed significantly from the CG by having more goiter symptoms, hyperthyroid symptoms, tiredness, and cognitive complaints (p < 0.05 for all variables), but only the difference in the goiter symptom scale was of a clinically important magnitude. At three months, the LG experienced a large improvement in goiter symptoms (effect size [ES] = 1.05), a moderate improvement in cosmetic complaints (ES = 0.50), and a moderate improvement in the overall QoL (ES = 0.64). Only the improvements in the goiter symptom and the cosmetic complaint scales were clinically important. Six months after LTA, the anxiety scale showed further improvement of moderate size (ES = 0.52). At 6 months, the results above were maintained, and 79% of patients experienced a large and clinically important improvement in the goiter symptom scale and no clinically important differences were found between the LG and the CG. Conclusions: In this unblinded, prospective observational study, measures of disease-specific QoL were significantly improved compared with preprocedure levels, in patients with solid-cystic nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Roed Sorensen
- Department of ORL-Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology and Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Helle Døssing
- Department of ORL-Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology and Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Torquil Watt
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Per Cramon
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Steen Joop Bonnema
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Lars Folkestad
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
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5
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The Impact of Post-Thyroidectomy Neck Stretching Exercises on Neck Discomfort, Pressure Symptoms, Voice and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial. World J Surg 2022; 46:2212-2222. [PMID: 35637354 PMCID: PMC9150879 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusions
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6
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Chaves N, Rodriguez MJ, Broekhuis JM, Chen HW, Bain PA, James BC. Quality of Life in Patients with Benign Non-Toxic Goiter After Surgical Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World J Surg 2022; 46:1093-1104. [PMID: 35075521 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06452-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies evaluating health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for benign non-toxic goiter have used different instruments and time points, leading to conflicting results. We sought to systematically review the differences in HR-QoL among patients with BNTG at baseline and 6 months after surgery, using exclusively the ThyPRO questionnaire. METHODS A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for papers reporting the assessment of HR-QoL utilizing ThyPRO. Data were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model, and pooled estimates were calculated using weighted mean differences (WMD) between baseline and 6 months after surgery. We assessed the quality and risk of bias of the studies using the Robins-I tool and previously published minimally important change (MIC) values to assess clinical significance. RESULTS Six papers met the predefined inclusion criteria, describing a total of 496 patients. Meta-analysis demonstrated improved QoL in all thirteen domains of ThyPRO six months post-surgical intervention compared to baseline. Specifically, the largest improvement in QoL was seen in the domains of overall QoL, WMD -25.84 (95% CI -29.70, -21.98, p < 0.001, I2 = 23%), goiter symptoms, 23.96 (95% CI -30.29, -17.64, p < 0.001, I2 = 91%), and tiredness, -16.20 (95% CI -19.23, -13.16, p < 0.001, I2 = 3%). The differences in scores 9 of 13 domains were clinically significant based on MIC. CONCLUSIONS Disease-specific HR-QoL improved in all ThyPRO domains after surgery in patients with BNTG. Future studies of QoL in thyroid surgery patients will benefit from a standard questionnaire and improved reporting of covariates including complications to ensure comparability across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Chaves
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 185 Pilgrim Road, Palmer 605, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - M Juanita Rodriguez
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 185 Pilgrim Road, Palmer 605, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jordan M Broekhuis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 185 Pilgrim Road, Palmer 605, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Hao Wei Chen
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 185 Pilgrim Road, Palmer 605, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Paul A Bain
- Countway Library, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin C James
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 185 Pilgrim Road, Palmer 605, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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7
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Cramon PK, Bjorner JB, Groenvold M, Boesen VB, Bonnema SJ, Hegedüs L, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Rasmussen ÅK, Watt T. Implementation of thyroid-related patient-reported outcomes in routine clinical practice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1000682. [PMID: 36246917 PMCID: PMC9554589 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1000682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used in clinical practice to improve clinical care. Multiple studies show that systematic use of PROs can enhance communication with patients and improve patient satisfaction, symptom management and quality of life. Further, such data can be aggregated to examine health levels for patient groups, improve quality of care, and compare patient outcomes at the institutional, regional or national level. However, there are barriers and challenges that should be handled appropriately to achieve successful implementation of PROs in routine clinical practice. This paper briefly overviews thyroid-related PROs, describes unsolved quality of life issues in benign thyroid diseases, provides examples of routine collection of PROs, and summarizes key points facilitating successful implementation of thyroid-related PROs in routine clinical practice. Finally, the paper touches upon future directions of PRO research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Karkov Cramon
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Bue Bjorner
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- QualityMetric Incorporated, LLC, Johnston, RI, United States
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Palliative Care Research Unit, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Victor Brun Boesen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Joop Bonnema
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Åse Krogh Rasmussen
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torquil Watt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Torquil Watt,
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8
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Yong-ping L, Juan Z, Li JW, Qi HH, Liu JP, Zhao YF, Liu WG, Zhang XH, Zhou P. The value of ultrasound guided laser ablation in papillary thyroid recurrence carcinoma: A retrospective, single center study from China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:946966. [PMID: 36157471 PMCID: PMC9504866 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.946966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) for treating recurrent papillary thyroid cancer nodules (RPTCNs). METHODS A retrospective study was conducted in 43 patients with single recurrent thyroid cancer which was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). The extent of ablation was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) 24h after PLA. At baseline (before ablation), 6, and 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter, the following were recorded: nodule maximum diameter, volume reduction rate (VRR), complications, and side effects. RESULT All 43 patients were successfully treated with PLA without serious complications. All patients underwent CEUS 24 hours after PLA treatment, and all achieved complete ablation. The success rate of single ablation was 100%. The average follow-up time was 23.47 ± 6.50 months, 12 ~ 36 months. At the last follow-up, 32 (74.4%) ablation lesions disappeared completely and 11 (25.6%) ablation lesions showed scar-like changes. No lymph node metastasis was found during follow-up. The maximum diameter and volume of nodules decreased from 5.1 ± 1.4 mm, 86.22 ± 20.46 mm3 before operation to 0.73 ± 1.1 mm, 1.02 ± 1.92 mm3 at the end of observation (P < 0.01). The average volume reduction rates (VRR) at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months after ablation were 11.92%, 60.64%, 82.26%, 90.96%, 93.7% and 97.79% respectively. No regrowth of treated nodule and distant metastases were detected. One patient (2.3%) had local recurrence and was treated with PLA again. CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided PLA appears to be effective and safe for treating unifocal RPTCNs in selected patients who are ineligible for surgery, which is suitable for clinical application and promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yong-ping
- Department of Ultrasound, Tangshan People’s Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tang Shan, China
| | - Zhang Juan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tangshan People’s Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tang Shan, China
| | - Jing-wu Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tangshan People’s Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tang Shan, China
| | - Huai-hua Qi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tangshan People’s Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tang Shan, China
| | - Jing-ping Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Tangshan People’s Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tang Shan, China
| | - Yong-feng Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-gang Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xing-hao Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Zhou,
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9
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Li C, Lopez B, Fligor S, Broekhuis JM, Maeda A, Duncan S, Chen HW, Choudhary A, Budwani S, Hasselgren PO, Mowschenson P, Mallur PS, James BC. Long-term voice changes after thyroidectomy: Results from a validated survey. Surgery 2021; 170:1687-1691. [PMID: 34344524 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term dysphonia may persist after thyroid surgery even in the absence of overt nerve injury. Therefore, we evaluated long-term dysphonia after thyroidectomy using a validated survey. METHODS Patients undergoing thyroidectomy at a single institution from 1990 to 2018 were surveyed via telephone to complete the Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey. Individuals with documented nerve injury were excluded. RESULTS In total, 308 patients completed the survey (mean age 51 ± 14 years, 78% female). Median time since surgery was 10.7 (interquartile range 2.3-17.5) years. The mean Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score was 2.6 ± 5.2. Of the 113 (37%) patients who reported subjective dysphonia, the mean Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score was 7.1 ± 6.5. Twenty-two (7.1%) patients had a Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score above the empiric normative cutoff of 11, with a mean score of 17.6 ± 6.8. The most frequent complaints included "The clarity of my voice is unpredictable" (N = 71, 23%), "People have difficulty understanding me in a noisy room" (N = 70, 23%), and "I feel as though I have to strain to produce voice" (N = 65, 21%). CONCLUSION Long-term follow-up of patients after thyroidectomy suggests that more than 30% without nerve injury report dysphonia. Research to further assess the etiology and impact of these changes on quality of life is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Scott Fligor
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. https://twitter.com/ScottFligor
| | - Jordan M Broekhuis
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. https://twitter.com/j_broekhuis
| | - Anthony Maeda
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah Duncan
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Hao Wei Chen
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. https://twitter.com/HaoWei95
| | - Anam Choudhary
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Simran Budwani
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Per-Olof Hasselgren
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Peter Mowschenson
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Pavan S Mallur
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin C James
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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10
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Heikkinen M, Penttilä E, Qvarnström M, Mäkinen K, Löppönen H, Kärkkäinen JM. Patient Self-Assessment and Acoustic Voice Analysis in Screening of Postoperative Vocal Fold Paresis and Paralysis. Scand J Surg 2021; 110:524-532. [PMID: 33843366 PMCID: PMC8688980 DOI: 10.1177/14574969211007036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of two items in vocal fold paresis and paralysis screening after thyroid and parathyroid surgery: patient self-assessment of voice using the Voice Handicap Index and computer-based acoustic voice analysis using the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program. Methods: This was a prospective study of 181 patients who underwent thyroid or parathyroid surgery over a 1-year study period (2017). Preoperatively, all patients underwent laryngoscopic vocal fold inspection and acoustic voice analysis, and they completed the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. Postoperatively, all patients underwent laryngoscopy prior to hospital discharge; 2 weeks after the surgery, they completed the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire a second time. Two weeks postoperatively, patients with vocal fold paresis or paralysis and 20 randomly selected controls without vocal fold paresis or paralysis underwent a follow-up acoustic voice analysis. Results: Fourteen patients had a new postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis. Postoperatively, the total Voice Handicap Index score was significantly higher (p = 0.040) and the change between preoperative and postoperative scores was greater (p = 0.028) in vocal fold paresis or paralysis patients. A total postoperative Voice Handicap Index score > 30 had 55% sensitivity, and 90% specificity, for vocal fold paresis or paralysis. In the postoperative Multi-Dimensional Voice Program analysis, vocal fold paresis or paralysis patients had significantly more jitter (p = 0.044). Postoperative jitter > 1.33 corresponded to 55% sensitivity, and 95% specificity, for vocal fold paresis or paralysis. Conclusions: In identifying postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis, patient self-assessment and jitter in acoustic voice analysis have high specificity but poor sensitivity. Without routine laryngoscopy, approximately half of the patients with postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis could be overlooked. However, if the patient has no complaints of voice disturbance 2 weeks after thyroid or parathyroid surgery, the likelihood of vocal fold paresis or paralysis is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Heikkinen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern, Kuopio, Finland
| | - E Penttilä
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M Qvarnström
- Department of Phoniatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - K Mäkinen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern, Kuopio, Finland.,Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - H Löppönen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J M Kärkkäinen
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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11
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Song CM, Bang HS, Kim HG, Park HJ, Tae K. Health-related quality of life after transoral robotic thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Surgery 2021; 170:99-105. [PMID: 33773821 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related quality of life after transoral robotic thyroidectomy has not been evaluated thoroughly. The purpose of this study was to compare health-related quality of life after transoral robotic thyroidectomy and after conventional thyroidectomy. METHODS This study is a prospective, cross-sectional, and observational study of 114 patients who underwent transoral robotic thyroidectomy (57 patients) or conventional transcervical thyroidectomy (57 patients) for the treatment of papillary carcinoma. We used 2 questionnaires: the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire for head and neck cancer and the thyroid cancer-specific Quality of Life questionnaire (Thyroid Version). The survey was performed preoperatively, and 3 months and 1 year after thyroidectomy. RESULTS Mean scores for neck appearance were higher after surgery in the transoral robotic thyroidectomy group than the conventional group at both 3 months and 1 year. Anxiety was significantly improved after surgery in both groups. Total scores for health-related quality of life after surgery were similar in both groups. Health-related quality of life and overall quality of life over the previous 7 days as measured by the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire were significantly better at 1 year than in the preoperative period in both groups. Before surgery, patients in the both groups regarded anxiety and mood as the most important aspects of health-related quality of life. After surgery, patients in the transoral robotic thyroidectomy group identified anxiety, mood, and speech as the most significant issues, while patients in the conventional group selected anxiety, mood, and neck appearance. CONCLUSION Quality of life related to neck appearance is higher after transoral robotic thyroidectomy than after transcervical thyroidectomy. However, total scores for health-related quality of life did not differ in the 2 groups after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Myeon Song
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang Sook Bang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Gu Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jin Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Tae
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Huang TY, Yu WHV, Chiang FY, Wu CW, Fu SC, Tai AS, Lin YC, Tseng HY, Lee KW, Lin SH. Prognostic Indicators of Non-Transection Nerve Injury and Vocal Fold Motion Impairment After Thyroid Surgery - Correlation Between Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Findings and Perioperative Voice Parameters. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:755231. [PMID: 34917026 PMCID: PMC8669766 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.755231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury after thyroid surgery, unrecovered vocal fold motion (VFM) and subjective voice impairment cause extreme distress. For surgeons, treating these poor outcomes is extremely challenging. To enable early treatment of VFM impairment, this study evaluated prognostic indicators of non-transection RLN injury and VFM impairment after thyroid surgery and evaluated correlations between intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) findings and perioperative voice parameters. METHODS 82 adult patients had postoperative VFM impairment after thyroidectomy were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, RLN electromyography (EMG), and RLN injury mechanism were compared. Multi-dimensional voice program, voice range profile and Index of voice and swallowing handicap of thyroidectomy (IVST) were administered during I-preoperative; II-immediate, III-short-term and IV-long-term postoperative periods. The patients were divided into R/U Group according to the VFM was recovered/unrecovered 3 months after surgery. The patients in U Group were divided into U1/U2 Group according to total IVST score change was <4 and ≥4 during period-IV. RESULTS Compared to R Group (42 patients), U Group (38 patients) had significantly more patients with EMG >90% decrease in the injured RLN (p<0.001) and thermal injury as the RLN injury mechanism (p=0.002). Voice parameter impairments were more severe in U Group compared to R Group. Compared to U1 group (19 patients), U2 Group (19 patients) had a significantly larger proportion of patients with EMG decrease >90% in the injured RLN (p=0.022) and thermal injury as the RLN injury mechanism (p=0.017). A large pitch range decrease in period-II was a prognostic indicator of a moderate/severe long-term postoperative subjective voice impairment. CONCLUSION This study is the first to evaluate correlations between IONM findings and voice outcomes in patients with VFM impairment after thyroid surgery. Thyroid surgeons should make every effort to avoid severe type RLN injury (e.g., thermal injury or injury causing EMG decrease >90%), which raises the risk of unrecovered VFM and moderate/severe long-term postoperative subjective voice impairment. Using objective voice parameters (e.g., pitch range) as prognostic indicators not only enables surgeons to earlier identify patients with low voice satisfaction after surgery, and also enable implementation of interventions sufficiently early to maintain quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yen Huang
- International Thyroid Surgery Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wing-Hei Viola Yu
- International Thyroid Surgery Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yu Chiang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wei Wu
- International Thyroid Surgery Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chen Fu
- Institute of Statistics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Statistics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - An-Shun Tai
- Institute of Statistics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Statistics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chu Lin
- International Thyroid Surgery Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Tseng
- International Thyroid Surgery Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ka-Wo Lee
- International Thyroid Surgery Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Tatung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsuan Lin
- Institute of Statistics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Statistics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Data Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Data Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Hegedüs L, Frasoldati A, Negro R, Papini E. European Thyroid Association Survey on Use of Minimally Invasive Techniques for Thyroid Nodules. Eur Thyroid J 2020; 9:194-204. [PMID: 32903971 PMCID: PMC7445736 DOI: 10.1159/000506513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Image-guided interventional ultrasound (US) techniques represent diagnostic and therapeutic tools for non-surgical management of thyroid nodular disease. We sought to investigate the attitude of European Thyroid Association (ETA) members towards the use of minimally invasive techniques (MIT) in diagnosis/therapy of symptomatic nodular goitre. METHODS ETA members were invited to participate in an online survey investigating the use of MIT in benign and malignant thyroid nodular disease. Of 865 invited members, 221 (25.5%) completed the survey. The respondents were from 40 countries; 139 (74.7%) were from European countries. RESULTS Respondents personally performed thyroid US (91.6%), Fine needle aspiration (FNA; 75.3%), ethanol ablation (EA; 22.1%), core needle biopsy (CNB; 11%) and thermal treatments (4.8%). When skills and/or technology were unavailable, only 13.4% referred patients "often" or "always" to other centres with specific expertise in this field. Surgery was the preferred first option in patients with recurrent cysts, 4.0 cm benign nodules, local (radioiodine-avid or non-avid) lymph node metastases, or papillary cancers <1.0 cm. For autonomously functioning nodules radioactive iodine treatment was the preferred choice, followed by surgery. Thermal ablation (TA) was the preferred option only for a 4 cm benign nodule in old patients with comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS US, US-guided FNA and surgery were available to nearly all respondents, while MIT was not. CNB and EA were employed only by about 1/3 of the respondents and TA procedures were available and personally performed only by a minority. For most thyroid lesions, surgery was the preferred option versus thermal therapies. The ETA needs to develop guidelines and establish teaching to overcome geographic inequality and promote the use of MIT as a valid therapy option in appropriate cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Andrea Frasoldati
- Division of Endocrinology, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberto Negro
- Division of Endocrinology, “V. Fazzi” Hospital, Lecce, Italy
- *Roberto Negro, MD, Division of Endocrinology, “V. Fazzi” Hospital, Piazza Muratore, 1, IT–73100 Lecce (Italy),
| | - Enrico Papini
- Division of Endocrinology, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano Laziale, Italy
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Krouse JH. Highlights from the Current Issue: October 2019. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 161:549-550. [PMID: 31571534 DOI: 10.1177/0194599819874819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John H Krouse
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA
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