[Diagnosis and treatment and prevention of iatrogenic functional aphonia].

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of iatrogenic functional aphonia.

METHODS

Twenty three patients who either lost their voice or only could whisper after surgery in other hospitals were included in this study as the first group, history was well collected and laryngostroboscopy performed. All cases were confirmed as iatrogenic functional aphonia patients and received phonation therapy. In another group of patients who received vocal cord surgery in our hospital from 2003 to 2005, speaking was restricted while not prohibited after surgery, voice quality was closely observed, and 1028 cases were included.

RESULTS

All 23 cases of functional aphonia were cured with phonation therapy. No iatrogenic functional aphonia occurred in the second group of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The iatrogenic functional aphonia can be caused by post operative mistreatment and could be cured with phonation therapy, and it is preventable if speaking is not strictly prohibited after surgery.