Sequential Wendler Glottoplasty and Laser Reduction Glottoplasty for Voice Feminization

Voice feminizing surgery is frequently needed for transgender female patients. Among several surgical options, Wendler glottoplasty (WG) and laser reduction glottoplasty (LRG) are two endoscopic procedures. However, because a single procedure may not produce sufficient benefit, the two surgeries may sometimes be sequentially performed. This study was carried out to present the voice results of such sequential surgeries.

This is an individual retrospective cohort study, performed at a tertiary referral center, that is a university hospital. 18 transgender patients were treated with WG initially and then underwent LRG; 17 had LRG first then WG. All 35 cases were performed during a 15-year period and followed for at least 1 year postoperatively. Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30), transsexual voice questionnaire (TVQ), and acoustic analysis with /a/ and running speech were obtained pre- and postoperatively.

VHI and TVQ improved significantly postoperatively (p < 0.05). Their preoperative, first, and second postoperative mean sF0 were 146, 175, and 215 Hz, respectively; these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Their postoperative mean jitter percent, shimmer percent, noise to harmonic ratio (NHR), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and cepstral spectral index of dysphonia (CSID) worsened significantly compared to preop values (p < 0.05); however, mean postoperative acoustic results were still within normal limits. Patients' self-ratings of their postsurgery voices revealed all feminine, leading to a patient gratification score of 100%.

If transgender female patients are unsatisfied with their voice after WG or LRG, the addition of the alternative procedure may significantly feminize their voice. Sequential WG and LRG is a successful surgical option for voice feminization.

4 Laryngoscope, 134:1133-1138, 2024.