KTP Laser Ablation of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions in Performers-Assessing Patient Outcomes

The purpose of this study is to characterize patients who work professionally as musical performers and undergo potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser ablation of vocal fold lesions in the outpatient setting.

A retrospective chart review of patients who are vocal performers and underwent in-office KTP laser ablation of benign vocal fold lesions at a single academic institution between 2012 and 2023 was conducted. Demographics including occupation, were descriptively reviewed. Acoustic measures, including cepstral peak prominence (CPP) and mean fundamental frequency variance (F0CoV), were analyzed. Vocal fold vibratory amplitude and mucosal wave were evaluated on videostroboscopy utilizing the voice vibratory assessment with laryngeal imaging. Preablation and postablation outcome measures were compared via Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar's test.

26 patients who identified as singers successfully underwent single-treatment in-office KTP laser ablation of vocal fold polyps. Ten patients (38.5%) identified as professional performers, and all patients continued their occupation after ablation. 84.2% of patients had either complete recovery or mildly reduced mucosal wave and amplitude of the treated vocal fold following KTP laser ablation. Additionally, CPP vowel improved following in-office KTP laser ablation, and F0CoV decreased following the ablation. All patients were able to continue their occupation in the same capacity.

In-office KTP ablation is a valuable, safe, and feasible intervention for professional performers with benign vocal fold polyps. This study provides insight into vocal outcomes in the largest cohort of professional performers with apt follow-up.