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Comparative Study
. 2006 Jun;77(6):518-22.
doi: 10.1007/s00104-006-1156-9.

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

[Article in German]
M Zumtobel  1 , A End, W Bigenzahn, W Klepetko, B Schneider
Affiliations
Comparative Study

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

[Article in German]
M Zumtobel et al. Chirurg. 2006 Jun.

Abstract

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.

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