Return to Vocal Performance Following Microlaryngoscopy in Singers

Authors

Hal Rives, Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Christine M. Clark, Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Christine M. Estes, Voice and Swallowing Program, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Westchester Medical Center Speech and Hearing Center, Westchester Institute for Human Development, New York Medical College Institute of Public Health, Valhalla, New York, U.S.A.
Lucian Sulica, Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, U.S.A.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

The Laryngoscope

First Page

329

Last Page

334

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Department

Public Health

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although microlaryngoscopy has been recognized to be effective in addressing lesions in vocal performers, no detailed information regarding return to performance (RTP) following surgery exists. We describe our experience and offer proposals to establish standardized criteria for RTP among vocal performers. METHODS: Records for adult vocalists who underwent microlaryngoscopy for benign vocal fold (VF) lesions and had a clearly documented RTP date between 2006 and 2022 were reviewed. Patient demographics, diagnoses, interventions, and postsurgical care before and after RTP were described. The need for medical and procedural interventions and rate of reinjury were used to determine the success of RTP. RESULTS: Sixty-nine vocal performers (average age: 32.8 years, 41 [59.4%] female, 61 [88.4%] musical theater) underwent surgery for 37 (53.6%) pseudocysts, 25 (36.2%) polyps, 5 (7.2%) cysts, 1 (1.4%) varix, and 1 (1.4%) mucosal bridge. Fifty-seven (82.6%) underwent voice therapy. The average time to RTP was 65.0 ± 29.8 days. Prior to RTP, six (8.7%) experienced VF edema requiring oral steroids and one (1.4%) underwent a VF steroid injection. Within 6 months following RTP, eight (11.6%) received oral steroids for edema and three underwent procedural interventions (two steroid injections for edema/stiffness, one injection augmentation for paresis). One patient experienced pseudocyst recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Return to vocal performance at an average of 2 months following microlaryngoscopy for benign lesions appears overwhelmingly successful, with low rates of need for additional intervention. There is a need for validated instruments to better measure performance fitness to refine and possibly accelerate RTP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:329-334, 2024.

Recommended Citation

Rives, H., Clark, C. M., Estes, C. M., & Sulica, L. (2024). Return to Vocal Performance Following Microlaryngoscopy in Singers. The Laryngoscope, 134 (1), 329-334. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.30887