Patient tolerance of laryngeal electromyography: a single-center study

This observational single-center study, conducted from 2021 to 2024, evaluated patient tolerance of laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) using a standardized post-procedural questionnaire completed by 97 patients undergoing LEMG for suspected laryngeal neuromuscular dysfunction. After the procedure, patients completed a structured questionnaire designed to assess procedural tolerance across five domains: overall perception, pain intensity (visual analogue scale [VAS]), anxiety, cooperation, and post-procedural discomfort. A total tolerance score (range 0-21) was calculated for each patient. We additionally analyzed the correlation between tolerance scores and specific patient variables, including age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Based on the total tolerance score, 32 patients (32.99%) reported excellent tolerance, 33 (34.02%) good tolerance, 9 (9.28%) poor tolerance, and 3 (3.09%) very poor tolerance. Female patients demonstrated a significantly better tolerance than male patients. No significant association was observed between tolerance score and age or BMI. No significant discomfort affecting swallowing/breathing, or voice, or any important external bleeding was reported. LEMG is generally well tolerated when performed using a standardized technique. Patient tolerance varies between individuals and appears to be influenced more by subjective factors. The structured questionnaire proved useful and provides a more extensive assessment of LEMG tolerability in clinical practice. However, because this is a single-center study, further research is needed to validate this tolerance questionnaire.