Comparative study of vocal cord lesions using videostroboscopy, voice analysis and voice handicap index pre and postoperatively

Vocal cord lesions is commonly encountered in day to day outpatient department. Though indirect laryngoscopy and video laryngoscopy performed as routine examination tool helps us to arrive at diagnosis. The advanced technique like stroboscopy which provides direct observation of laryngeal vibration, which when Combined with voice acoustic analysis helps us to clinch the diagnosis accurately. In my study I had compared the stroboscopic parameters preoperatively and post operatively in patients with vocal cord lesions and also the voice acoustic parameters were compared in patients with vocal cord lesions. The stroboscopic parameters studied are symmetry, periodicity, mucosal wave and glottis closure pattern. The various voice parameters that were studied are fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, maximum phonation time and harmonic to noise ratio. These stroboscopic parameters were studied preoperatively and on the 6th week postoperatively, results were compared. The subjective improvement was evaluated by comparing the voice handicap index score pre operatively and post operatively. In this study total of 50 patients were enrolled. The technique of videostroboscopy and voice analysis is practical and easy method of documentation of data. It gives precise preoperative assessment of vocal cord lesions thereby helping the surgeon to plan the appropriate treatment accordingly and also facilitates postoperative assessment where the results can be compared with pre-operative recording hence giving idea about the effectiveness of the treatment chosen. In addition the voice handicap index employed here also gives subjective evidence of improvement of vocal cord lesion before and after treatment