[Reduced quality of life in patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis after thoracic surgery].

BACKGROUND

Postoperative unilateral vocal cord paralysis (URLNP) may lead to a lower quality of life due to dysphonia, dysphagia, and reduced breathing control. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life in a group of patients with URLNP compared to a group without URLNP.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Laryngoscopically, 379 patients were examined before and after thoracic surgery. Of the group with permanent URLNP (n=14), nine patients were compared to ten without URLNP regarding voice function and quality of life using selected European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires (QLQ-C30, H&N35, OES18, and LC13) and the voice dysfunction index by Nawka.

RESULTS

Patients with URLNP reported more voice problems and less effective coughing. Further, they had a reduced of quality of life.

CONCLUSION

We recommend early diagnosis of URLNP and therapy management by routine laryngoscopic examinations following thoracic surgery.