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Transgender Phonosurgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Tara Elena Song1, Nancy Jiang2
11 Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Panorama City, California, USA.
Summary
Vocal cord shortening surgeries significantly increase vocal pitch more than other phonosurgical techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared various methods for pitch elevation in voice surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Phonosurgery
- Acoustic Analysis
Background:
- Various surgical techniques aim to increase vocal pitch.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis are needed to compare their effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze phonosurgical techniques for vocal pitch elevation.
- To determine which technique yields the greatest increase in fundamental frequency.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 13 studies.
- Inclusion criteria: pitch-elevating phonosurgical techniques in humans with pre- and postoperative acoustic analysis.
- Data extracted: surgical technique, fundamental frequencies, perioperative care, complications.
Main Results:
- Vocal cord shortening procedures (e.g., glottoplasty) and cricothyroid approximation were most common.
- Techniques that shortened vocal cords resulted in the largest increase in fundamental frequency.
- Inconsistent reporting of speech therapy, voice rest, and patient satisfaction; many studies had low power and short follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Multiple surgical options exist for vocal pitch elevation.
- Vocal cord shortening techniques appear most effective for increasing fundamental frequency.
- Further research with robust methodology is warranted.
