Voice and swallowing symptoms after thyroid surgery assessed using the ThyVoice online platform

The aim of this multicentre study was to investigate the progression of patient-reported outcomes after thyroid surgery, with emphasis on voice and swallowing difficulties.

An online platform was used to collect replies to standardised questionnaires (voice handicap index, VHI; voice-related quality of life, VrQoL; EAT-10) preoperatively and at 2-6 weeks and 3-6-12 months after surgery.

A total of 236 patients were recruited from five centres that contributed with median of 11 cases (range 2-186 cases). Average symptoms scores showed voice changes lasting up to 3 months: VHI increased from 41 ± 15 (preop) to 48 ± 21 (6 weeks) and returned to 41 ± 15 at 6 months. Similarly, VrQoL increased from 12 ± 4 to 15 ± 6 and returned to 12 ± 4 (6 months). Severe voice changes (VHI > 60) were reported in 12% of patients preop, 22% at 2 weeks, 18% at 6 weeks, 13% at 3 months and 7% at 12 months. Only five patients with normal preoperative voice had persistent severe voice changes after 6-12 months. Those with severe voice changes at 2 weeks (median VHI 70.5, IQR 65-81) had significant improvement by 6 months (median VHI 54, IQR 39-65) (P < 0.001). Swallowing assessment showed a median preop score of 0 (IQR 0-3) increasing to a median of 2 (IQR 0-8) at 2 weeks and normal values afterwards.

The ThyVoice online platform allows the assessment of patient-reported outcome measures in thyroid surgery. Voice morbidity appears to be more frequent than commonly reported, and this risk should the quoted during informed consent. Swallowing difficulties are mild but significant in the first 2 weeks.