Improved Mucosal Wave in Unilateral Autologous Temporal Fascia Graft in Sulcus Vocalis Type 2 and Vocal Scars

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: We analyzed the results of 10 patients treated by unilateral autologous temporal fascia graft, comparing the pre and post surgery results, as well as the appearance of the wave and the intervals until the re-appearance of it.

Study design: Retrospective, clinical case series.

Methods: Subjective and objective evaluation was preoperatively and postoperatively performed, using laryngovideostroboscopy, the Voice Handicap Index-10, GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain), harmonics to noise ratio, Jitter, Shimmer, phonatory range, maximum phonation time, and S/Z ratio in all patients. Postoperative visits were scheduled after 1 week, 1 month, at 3 months, and at 6 months after the surgery.

Results: After surgery, we found significant differences in the maximum phonation time and the S/Z ratio (P <0.05). Most parameters of GRBAS also improved significantly, both in general and in the subscales, except for Breathiness and Asthenia (P <0.05). There was an average decrease in Voice Handicap Index-10 of 11.2 (P <0.05). At laryngovideostroboscopy, the mucous wave reappeared in all patients treated 1 month after surgery, and increased in amplitude until 6 months postoperative.

Keywords: Dysphonia; autologous transplantation of temporalis fascia into the vocal fold; benign vocal fold lesions; laryngology; miscellaneous; otolaryngology; sulcus vocalis; temporalis fascia graft; vocal fold; vocal fold scar.