Paralisia das cordas vocais - 8 anos de experiência no Centro Hospitalar do Porto

Introduction : Vocal cord paralysis is associated with significant morbidity because it interferes with breathing, phonation, swallowing and coughing. This study aims to evaluate the functional results of speech therapy in these patients. Methods : This study included adult patients with vocal cord paralysis submitted to speech therapy as an isolated treatment between June 2006 and June 2014. Demographic data, paralysis etiology, laryngoscopy and maximum phonation time before and after treatment were registered. Results : The majority of the 70 patients included in this study had a postoperative unilateral vocal cord paralysis. After performing speech therapy there was an increase on average maximum phonation time for all sounds and an approximation of the s/z coefficient to the reference value 1. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that speech therapy as an isolated treatment in patients with vocal cord paralysis objectively improves their glottal function.