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Prevalence and Predictors of Post-Thyroidectomy Voice Dysfunction in a Nigerian Cohort

  • Surgery in Low and Middle Income Countries
  • Published:
World Journal of Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Advances in surgical techniques have significantly improved the safety of thyroidectomy. Quality of life issues, such as voice changes, however continue to be important considerations. This study evaluated the prevalence and determinants of voice changes following thyroidectomies for non-malignant goiters in a Nigerian Hospital.

Methodology

Consecutive adults who had thyroidectomy for non-malignant goiters were evaluated. Preoperatively, each participant had laryngoscopy and voice assessment using the Voice Handicap Index-10. At surgery, the intubation difficulty score, size of endotracheal tubes, and duration of operation were recorded. Laryngoscopy and VHI-10 assessments were repeated 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Pre and postoperative assessments were compared.

Result

Fifty-four patients completed the study. Subtotal thyroidectomy was the commonest operation performed in 17 patients (31.48%), with 14 (25.93%) having total thyroidectomy. Baseline median VHI-10 score was 6.5(IQR-10). Five patients had abnormal preoperative laryngoscopy findings (benign vocal cord lesions). Postoperatively, seven patients had endoscopic evidence of vocal cord paralysis, six were unilateral while one was bilateral. Ten patients (18.5%) had early voice changes. Median VHI-10 score at one week was significantly higher than baseline (10 vs. 6.5, p = 0.01). At 3 months, VHI-10 reverted back to baseline in five of the ten patients while five patients (9.3%) had persistent voice changes. Abnormal endoscopic findings predicted the occurrence of early postoperative voice changes.

Conclusion

Thyroidectomy for non-malignant goiters is associated with transient voice changes, many of which revert to normal over time. Abnormal endoscopic findings predict its occurrence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

    Adekunle Adeyemo & Yemisi Bola Amusa

  2. Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

    Olalekan Olasehinde

  3. Department of Anaesthesia, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

    Afolabi Muyiwa Owojuyigbe

  4. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Obafemi Awolowo University teaching complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

    Ugochukwu Josiah Anagbogu & Akumbu Sylvia Ohuche

  5. Department of Medicine, Lagos State University, Ikeja, Nigeria

    Adeola Ajibare

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  1. Adekunle Adeyemo
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  3. Afolabi Muyiwa Owojuyigbe
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Correspondence to Olalekan Olasehinde.

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Adeyemo, A., Olasehinde, O., Owojuyigbe, A.M. et al. Prevalence and Predictors of Post-Thyroidectomy Voice Dysfunction in a Nigerian Cohort. World J Surg 47, 682–689 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-022-06858-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-022-06858-6

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