Vocal Function Changes in Patients With Benign Thyroid Nodules After Radiofrequency Ablation

To objectively evaluate changes in vocal function in patients with benign thyroid nodules following radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Seventy-five patients diagnosed with benign thyroid nodules who underwent RFA were included in the study. These patients received thyroid sonography both preRFA and 3 months postRFA. Additionally, vocal function assessments, including aerodynamic and acoustic evaluations, were performed at specific time points: preRFA, immediately postRFA, and 3 months postRFA.

The results indicated a significant decrease in maximum phonation time (MPT) immediately postRFA (MPT = 11.25; P < 0.001) and 3 months postRFA (MPT = 12.40; P = 0.007) compared with preRFA (MPT = 13.88), suggesting potential dysphonia. Additionally, compared with preRFA (jitter = 0.86; shimmer = 0.35), transient increases in jitter (jitter = 1.19; P = 0.013) and shimmer (shimmer = 0.37; P = 0.039) were observed immediately postRFA, returning to baseline at 3 months, indicating vocal recovery of the vibratory characteristics. No significant correlations were found between preRFA nodule volume (correlation coefficient = 0.002; P = 0.991) or volume reduction ratio (VRR; correlation coefficient = -0.129; P = 0.415) and MPT changes.

In patients with benign thyroid nodules, RFA affects both acoustic and aerodynamic vocal function. Regardless of initial nodule volume or high VRR at 3 months postablation, a significant decrease in MPT was observed. This study underscores the importance of objective vocal assessment for monitoring and guiding interventions for vocal recovery postRFA.

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.