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Speech Therapy and Functional Dysphonia After Thyroidectomy

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Functional Dysphonia
Interventions
Behavioral: Pre-operative counselling
Registration Number
NCT05963178
Lead Sponsor
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
Brief Summary

Following a thyroidectomy, voice and swallowing alterations, which more frequently would appear to be caused by lesions of the laryngeal nerve, may occur. But, voice and swallowing changes can also occur in the absence of lesions of the inferior laryngeal nerve or the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, defining a condition called central compartment syndrome or functional post-thyroidectomy syndrome. It has been demonstrated that, in the presence of the aforementioned syndrome, the quality of the voice undergoes a deterioration immediately after thyroidectomy surgery with a lowering of pitch.

The purpose of this study will be to verify the effects of early speech therapy, including pre-operative speech therapy counseling (during which the patient will be provided with indications to be implemented in the immediate post-operative period).

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria
  • awaiting Total Thyroidectomy surgery
  • able to sign a written consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Under the age of 21 or over the age of 65
  • Previous vocal cord paralysis
  • History of vocal or laryngeal pathologies that have required therapy
  • Presence of speech disorders or lung pathologies
  • Previous neck surgery
  • Presence of malignant diseases

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
CohortPre-operative counselling-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Acoustic analysis (Shimmer%)3 months

Using the Multidimensional Voice Program, the Shimmer (%) will be analyzed in the central 3 seconds of a sustained /a/.

Acoustic analysis (NHR)3 months

Using the Multidimensional Voice Program, the noise/harmonics ratio (NHR) will be analyzed in the central 3 seconds of a sustained /a/.

Voice Range Profile (Fhigh)3 months

The patient will be instructed in the production of a sustained /a/ from the lowest to the highest note, from minimum to maximum intensity. In this case, the Maximum frequency (Fhigh) will be analysed.

Acoustic analysis (f0)3 months

Using the Multidimensional Voice Program, the Fundamental Frequency (F0, Hz) will be analyzed in the central 3 seconds of a sustained /a/.

Acoustic analysis (Jitter%)3 months

Using the Multidimensional Voice Program, the Jitter (%) will be analyzed in the central 3 seconds of a sustained /a/.

Voice Range Profile (Flow)3 months

The patient will be instructed in the production of a sustained /a/ from the lowest to the highest note, from minimum to maximum intensity. In this case, the Minimum frequency (Flow) will be analysed.

Voice function3 months

A questionnaire called Voice Impairment Score (VIS) will be used, created specifically to investigate the frequency of voice alterations. The VIS consists of 10 items and can vary from a minimum score of 0 (no vocal alteration) to a maximum of 40 (maximum voice disturbance).

Swallowing function3 months

A questionnaire called Swallowing Impariment Scores (SIS) will be used, created specifically to investigate the frequency of swallowing alterations. The SIS consists of 5 items and can vary from a minimum score of 0 (no vocal alteration) to a maximum of 20 (maximum swallowing disturbance).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS

🇮🇹

Roma, Italy

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