Vocal Cord Surgery

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₱ 0
maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is ​Vocal Cord Surgery?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Vocal Cord Surgery ?

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Why do you need Vocal Cord Surgery?

Vocal cord surgery is indicated for:

  • Vocal cord lesions:
    • Nodules: Callus-like growths from voice overuse (common in singers/teachers).
    • Polyps: Fluid-filled growths, often from trauma or smoking.
    • Cysts: Fluid sacs within the vocal cord.
  • Vocal cord paralysis:
    • One or both cords immobile, often due to nerve injury (e.g., thyroid surgery, trauma).
    • Symptoms: Hoarseness, weak voice, or breathing difficulty.
  • Other conditions:
    • Reinke’s edema: Swelling from smoking or voice abuse.
    • Laryngeal papillomas: Related to your earlier query on laryngeal papilloma removal (caused by HPV).
  • Failed non-surgical treatments:
    • Voice therapy or medications (e.g., steroids) ineffective after 3–6 months.

The procedure aims to remove lesions, restore vocal cord movement, or improve vibration to enhance voice quality and breathing while minimizing damage to delicate vocal cord tissue.

Why Do Vocal Cord Surgery Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Vocal Cord Surgery Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Laryngoscopy: Visualizes vocal cords (flexible or rigid scope).
      • Videostroboscopy: Assesses vocal cord vibration and closure.
      • Voice assessment: Evaluates pitch, volume, and quality.
      • Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile.
    • Voice therapy: Often tried first to assess improvement.
    • Consent: Risks, including voice changes, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Vocal Cord Surgery (Microlaryngoscopy):
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 30–60 minutes.
      • Microlaryngoscopy: A rigid laryngoscope inserted through the mouth to access the vocal cords.
      • Lesion removal:
        • Microflap technique: Tiny incisions made to lift and remove nodules, polyps, or cysts with microinstruments.
        • CO2 laser: Used for precise removal (e.g., papillomas, Reinke’s edema) with minimal bleeding.
      • Vocal cord paralysis (if applicable):
        • Medialization: Injection of filler (e.g., hyaluronic acid) or implant (e.g., Gore-Tex) to push paralyzed cord closer to the midline.
        • Thyroplasty: External approach to adjust cord position (less common).
      • Bleeding controlled with hemostatic agents; no stitches typically required.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Laryngoscope: Provides access to vocal cords.
      • Microinstruments/CO2 laser: Removes lesions.
      • Operating microscope: Enhances precision.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: Same-day discharge or 1 day.
    • Care: Voice rest (no speaking) for 7–14 days; humidified air to soothe throat.
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate throat pain for 3–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
    • Instructions: Avoid irritants (e.g., smoking, shouting); soft diet for 2–3 days.

Recovery After Vocal Cord Surgery

  1. Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge or 1 day.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain: Mild to moderate throat soreness for 3–5 days; managed with medication.
    • Voice: Hoarseness initially; improves in 2–4 weeks with voice rest; optimal voice in 6–12 weeks.
    • Breathing: Improves immediately if paralysis addressed; otherwise, unaffected.
    • Diet: Soft, cool foods (e.g., yogurt) for 2–3 days; avoid hot/spicy foods for 1 week.
    • Activity: Rest for 1–2 days; avoid shouting or heavy activity for 2–3 weeks.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
    • Videostroboscopy: At 1 month to check vocal cord healing.
    • Voice therapy: Starts after voice rest (2–4 weeks) to retrain vocal habits.

Most resume normal activities in 3–5 days; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 85–90% achieve improved voice quality; paralysis surgery improves voice/breathing in 80–85%.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (1–2%): Minor intraoral bleeding; severe bleeding rare.
    • Infection (1–2%): Throat or larynx infection; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Voice changes (2–5%): Scarring or stiffness of vocal cords; may need voice therapy or revision surgery.
    • Airway swelling (1–2%): Temporary breathing difficulty; managed with steroids.
    • Recurrence (5–10%): Lesions (e.g., nodules) may return if voice misuse persists.
    • Granuloma (1–2%): Scar tissue at surgical site; may need removal.
  • Long-Term:
    • Vocal cord scarring (1–3%): Affects voice quality; may need further surgery.
    • Weak voice (1–2%): If too much tissue removed; managed with therapy.

Report breathing difficulty, severe pain, fever, or persistent hoarseness promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes vocal cord issues?

Voice overuse (nodules), trauma (polyps), smoking (edema), HPV (papillomas), or nerve injury (paralysis).

Can I avoid vocal cord surgery?

Yes, if mild: Voice therapy, rest, or steroids; surgery is for persistent lesions or paralysis.

Is vocal cord surgery painful?

Mild to moderate throat pain for 3–5 days, managed with medication; improves in 1 week.

How soon can I resume activities?

Normal activities: 3–5 days; speaking: 7–14 days (after voice rest); full recovery: 4–6 weeks.

Is vocal cord surgery covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for functional issues; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Breathing difficulty, severe pain, fever, or persistent hoarseness.

Will my voice return to normal after surgery?

85–90% achieve improved voice; full recovery depends on lesion type and voice therapy adherence.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Voice rest for 7–14 days, avoid irritants (e.g., smoking), humidify air, and follow voice therapy.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Vocal Cord Surgery

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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