J Korean Soc Laryngol Phoniatr Logoped.  2020 Dec;31(2):49-55. 10.22469/jkslp.2020.31.2.49.

Perioperative Management of the Voice in Thyroid Cancer

• Yoon SY
• Hong HJ

• KMID: 2511139
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22469/jkslp.2020.31.2.49

Abstract

Evaluating the patient’s voice before thyroidectomy is useful for the purpose of identifying patients with vocal cord paralysis without symptoms, identifying other patient’s voice abnormalities, and whether it is related to voice disorders that may occur after surgery. Also voice evaluation after thyroid surgery is helpful in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation and follow-up of voice disorders that occur without clear nerve damage after thyroidectomy. And it is helpful for rapid recovery through active early rehabilitation treatment for patients who complain of speech impairment without paralysis. In particular, neck exercise can improve the adhesion of the surgical site and increase the range of motion of the neck as well as improve subjective neck discomfort. In addition, hearing, voice and breathing functions should be improved, and voice hygiene education and counseling should be provided. Vocal cord injection is the first treatment option for unilateral vocal cord palsy. By establishing a protocol for voice disorders before and after thyroid surgery and providing appropriate treatment, the quality of life of patients can be improved.

Keyword

Thyroid cancer; Thyroidectomy; Vocal cord palsy; Speech disorder; Voice therapy; 갑상선암; 갑상선절제술; 성대마비; 음성장애; 음성치료