Sulcus Vocalis: Clinical and Surgical Aspects

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech and Language Pathology
• Vocal Health

Background:

• Sulcus vocalis is a vocal fold abnormality affecting voice quality.
• It often presents with symptoms like hoarseness and vocal fatigue.
• Understanding its clinical and acoustic characteristics is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze clinical, vocal, and videolaryngoscopic parameters in patients with sulcus vocalis.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of microsurgery in treating sulcus vocalis.
• To compare vocal parameters before and after surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Observational study of 60 patients diagnosed with sulcus vocalis (type II or III).
• Data collected included demographics, vocal symptoms, videolaryngostroboscopy, perceptual and acoustic vocal analyses, and maximum phonation time (MPT).
• Vocal parameters of 22 patients who underwent microsurgery were analyzed pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Hoarseness (100%) and vocal fatigue (88%) were primary symptoms.
• Type II sulcus was most common (90%), often associated with polyps (23%).
• Microsurgery reduced GRBAS scores and SPI, increased MPT, but did not normalize all acoustic parameters.

Conclusions:

• Sulcus vocalis leads to mild to moderate dysphonia, characterized by roughness, breathiness, and elevated fundamental frequency.
• Surgical treatment offers improvement in vocal parameters.
• Despite surgical benefits, complete restoration of vocal quality remains a challenge.