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Vocal function following vertical hemilaryngectomy: a preliminary investigation.
H A Leeper1, H Heeneman, C Reynolds
1Vocal Function Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Otolaryngology
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Vertical hemilaryngectomy significantly impacts vocal function, leading to rough, breathy, and constricted voice quality in male patients. Key findings include incomplete glottic closure and altered vocal fold dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Vocal Function Analysis
Background:
- Vertical hemilaryngectomy is a surgical procedure for laryngeal cancer.
- Assessing vocal function post-surgery is crucial for patient rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vocal function in male patients after vertical hemilaryngectomy.
- To identify common vocal characteristics and potential compensatory mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Video-stroboscopic examination of vocal folds.
- Aerodynamic measurements of airflow and pressure.
- Acoustic analysis of voice quality, pitch, and intensity.
Main Results:
- Vocal quality rated as rough, breathy, and constricted.
- Incomplete glottic closure observed in most patients.
- Supraglottic structures compensated for vibratory action.
- Increased transglottal airflow, reduced phonation time, and altered vocal frequency/intensity ranges.
- Reduced vocal fold diadochokinetic rate.
Conclusions:
- Vertical hemilaryngectomy results in significant vocal dysfunction.
- Compensatory mechanisms involving supraglottic structures are utilized.
- Further research is needed to understand patient-specific valving strategies.