[Ultrasound assessment of vocal cords function after thyroid surgery].

OBJECTIVE

To analyze vocal cords function after thyroid surgery by using of ultrasound examination.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Assessment of voice quality according to GRBAS scale, ultrasound examination of vocal cords and indirect laryngoscopy were performed in 57 patients after thyroid surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperative indirect laryngoscopy and ultrasound revealed normal mobility of vocal cords in all patients. However, 98.3% of patients subjectively noted deterioration of voice quality due to hoarseness and fatiguein early and long-term period, respectively. Complete restoration of vocal function occurred after 6 months postoperatively. Impaired voice quality is probably due to edema of vocal cords after intubation that is manifested by unclear contours during ultrasound. Ultrasound is useful to diagnose shortening and displacement of paretic vocal cords.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound of vocal cords could be alternative to indirect laryngoscopy for postoperative assessment of vocal cords function in patients after thyroid surgery.