Changes in respiratory function after thyroplastic surgery

Abstract

Conclusions. A certain degree of subclinical extrathoracic airway compromise may ensue after thyroplastic surgery, although none of the patients reported the presence of dyspneic symptoms in their normal daily lives. Objectives: To determine the effects of thyroplastic surgery on respiratory function and compare them with the improvement of vocal function. Patients and methods: The study included 53 patients; 7 had type I thyroplasty (type I), 9 had arytenoid adduction (AA), 10 had AA with type I, and 27 had AA with neuromuscular pedicle flap implantation (NMP). Phonatory and respiratory functions were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. The presence of dyspnea during daily activities was determined postoperatively. Results: The difference between the pre- and postoperative values was statistically significant in five comparisons. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced expiratory volume (FEV_1%) in the AA with type I group, FEV₁/peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in the AA group, and PEFR in the three groups (type I, AA, and AA with NMP). Forty-six patients associated with AA were combined for statistical analysis. The differences were statistically significant for FEV_1%, PEFR, and FEV₁/PEFR. Changes in maximum phonation time (MPT) were found to have a significant correlation with changes in FEV₁/PEFR. All the patients denied episodes of dyspnea during their normal daily activities.

• Unilateral vocal fold immobility
• type I thyroplasty
• arytenoid adduction
• forced expiratory volume in 1 second
• peak expiratory flow rate
• ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to peak expiratory flow rate