Longitudinal experience of patients with post-thyroidectomy vocal cord paralysis

Prior studies of post-thyroidectomy vocal cord paralysis (VCP) present static and limited evaluations. We comprehensively assessed the experience of patients with VCP post-thyroidectomy over 1 year.

Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), and qualitative interviews were assessed preoperatively, and 2-weeks, 6-weeks, 6-months, and 1-year postoperatively.

7 of 44 patients (15.9%) had postoperative VCP. Compared to those without complication, mean VHI scores for VCP patients increased significantly from baseline at 2-weeks (27.9 point increase vs 1.6, p < 0.01) and 6-weeks (26.3 vs. -0.3, p < 0.01) postoperative. There were no significant differences between groups in SF-12 or EAT-10 scores at any point. Qualitative interviews showed that both groups noted bothersome voice symptoms at 2-weeks; however, by 6-weeks, only VCP patients noted voice symptoms negatively affecting their life.

While both patients with and without VCP reported subjective voice symptoms immediately postoperatively, those with VCP had worse quantitative measures. Understanding the longitudinal experience of VCP can help providers tailor counseling for these patients.