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

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endocrinology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Benign thyroid nodules are common and can affect vocal function.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment option for these nodules.
• Understanding the impact of RFA on vocal function is essential for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively evaluate changes in vocal function after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with benign thyroid nodules.
• To assess both aerodynamic and acoustic vocal parameters post-RFA.
• To determine if nodule characteristics influence vocal function changes.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-five patients with benign thyroid nodules underwent RFA.
• Thyroid sonography was performed pre-RFA and 3 months post-RFA.
• Vocal function assessments (aerodynamic and acoustic) were conducted pre-RFA, immediately post-RFA, and 3 months post-RFA.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in maximum phonation time (MPT) was observed immediately and 3 months post-RFA.
• Transient increases in jitter and shimmer were noted immediately post-RFA, with recovery by 3 months.
• No significant correlation was found between nodule volume or volume reduction ratio and MPT changes.

Conclusions:

• RFA for benign thyroid nodules affects acoustic and aerodynamic vocal function.
• A significant decrease in MPT occurs post-RFA, irrespective of nodule volume or reduction.
• Objective vocal assessment is vital for monitoring vocal recovery post-RFA.