• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.164-169
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• 1999

Background and Objectives : The intracordal cysts are more increasingly diagnosed and treated due to advanced laryngeal stroboscopy and laryngeal microsurgical technique. The intracordal cysts are frequently misdiagnosed as vocal polyp or nodule The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical features of intracordal cysts. Materials and Methods : In the present series, 83 cases of the intracordal cysts treated with laryngeal microsurgery are reported. The intracordal cysts are diagnosed preoperatively with indirect laryngoscopy, laryngeal endoscopy, laryngeal stroboscopy and confirmed with laryngeal microsurgical findings and biopsies. Results : Intracordal cysts are 83 of 1900 patients treated with laryngeal microsurgery(4.4%)-ductal cysts are 56 cases and epidermoid cysts are 27 cases. Intracordal cysts are more frequent in women, forties and the frequent site is an anterior third of the true vocal cord. With the indirect laryngoscopic examination, the ductal cysts are frequently misdiagnosed as vocal polyps or nodules but the epidermoid cysts are relatively easily diagnosed. The etiologic factors of the intracordal cysts are suspected as voice abuse and upper respiratory infection. The degree of postoperative voice satisfaction is similar to that of the vocal polyps. Conclusion : Intracordal cysts are frequently misdiagnosed as polyps or nodules, therefore preoperative stroboscopic findings and laryngeal microsurgical findings is important. An ideal treatment is to enucleate the cysts avoiding rupture of cyst and injury of lamina propria of the vocal cord.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.24-28
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• 2021

Background and Objectives Vocal polyp is one of the most common benign diseases of vocal fold caused by overuse of voice. Laryngeal microsurgery is the first treatment of choice for vocal polyp. However, surgery has many risks such as side effects of general anesthesia, injury of tooth and psychological burden. And we often experience reduction of vocal polyps without surgical procedure. The purpose of study is to evaluate the effect of non-surgical treatment such as vocal hygiene education and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in patients with vocal polyp. Materials and Method We performed retrospective study for seventy-three patients of vocal polyp who treated with non-surgical modalities such as vocal hygiene education and PPI over three months. Treatment outcomes and risk factors such as age, sex, polyp size, position, symptom duration, presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms, smoking history, voice abuse history and vocal hygiene education were evaluated by comparison between polyp size improved group and non-improved group. Results 5.5% of enrolled patients showed complete response and 23.3% showed partial response without surgery. Polyp size improved group significantly carried out more practice of vocal hygiene education treatment than the non-improved group (p=0.040). And the presence of LPR symptoms [hazard ratio (HR) 3.368, confidence interval (CI) 1.055-10.754, p=0.040] and not performing of vocal hygiene education (HR 3.664, 95% CI 1.078-12.468, p=0.038). Conclusion Vocal hygiene education can be a useful treatment option when making a decision to treat with vocal polyp.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.102-107
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• 2016

Background and Objectives : Vocal polyps are caused by inflammation induced by stress or irritation. Many patients with vocal polyps complain voice discomfort. For vocal polyps, surgery such as laryngeal microsurgery has been the mainstay of management. We analyzed the clinical features of vocal polyps, and how the size and location of vocal polyps affect the outcomes of surgery. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients from March 2014 to December 2015, who were diagnosed as unilateral single vocal polyp. When we operated on a vocal polyp with laryngeal microscopy, we measured their size and location. The quality of voice was evaluated by GRABS scale, jitter, shimmer, NHR (noise to harmonic ratio), MPT (maximum phonation time), and VHI (voice handicap index) before operation and 4 weeks after operation. Results : When we divided the patients into large-sized vocal polyp group (the longest length >3 mm) and small-sized vocal polyp group (the longest length ${\leq}3mm$), all parameter differences tend to be greater at large sized vocal polyp. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). When we divided into two groups depending on the volume of vocal polyp, no distinct tendency was found. When we compared the location (anterior, mid and posterior) of vocal polyp with the improvement of voice quality, more change was found at mid portion vocal polyp, except the difference of VHI. However, these differences were also not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion : All parameter differences tend to be greater at large vocal polyp and polyp of the mid location.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.122-126
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• 2015

Background and Objective : Laryngeal microscopic surgery (LMS) is popular method to treat for vocal polyp. There is not always the improvement of the voice after operation. Many methods have been developed for better outcome of the surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the triamcinolone injection at vocal cord during LMS. Materials and Methods : The medical records of 28 patients, received LMS under diagnosis of vocal polyp, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups depending on whether triamcinolone injected or not (case group : Triamcinolone-injected group, control group : Triamcinolone-not injected group). The quality of voice was evaluated by GRBAS scale, fundamental frequency (Fo), jitter, shimmer and NHR (Noise to harmonic ratio) at previous operation, 4 weeks after operation, 8 weeks after operation. Each voice analysis factor was compared between case group and control group by Independent t-test. Results : The mean differences of each voice analysis factor. The mean difference of Jitter, Shimmer, NHR in case group were lower than in control group, and mean difference of GRBAS scale in case group were higher than in control group. These differences were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion : Though there was a tendency of better voice outcome in patients of triamcinolone-injection, it may not be concluded that the triamcinolone injection is helpful for better voice outcome in surgery of vocal polyp due to statistical insignificance.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.47-51
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• 2011

Background and Objectives: Vocal polyps arc one of the most frequent benign laryngeal diseases. They arc usually found at the midpoint of the vocal fold. They are mainly caused by vocal overuse. Vocal polyps arc usually removed surgically. Generally, age-related changes to speech are attributed to change in anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism. These changes result in increased variability in the acoustic properties of speech with age. Still, not 'all studies of age-related changes in speech have taken differences between the young group and adult group after laryngeal microsurgery into account. The aim of this investigation was to compare improvement of acoustic analysis in young patients and elderly patients with vocal polyps, before and after the laryngeal microsurgery. Materials and Method: One hundred and twenty-eight patients who underwent laryngeal microsurgery for vocal polyps from 2008 through 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. 105 of the 128 patients under age 60 were classified as adult group (AG), and remaining 23 patients as elderly group (EG). The speech of AG and EG were evaluated before and after surgery for identification of differences for age group across measures of fundamental frequency (F0), Jitter, Shimmer and Maximum phonation time (MPT). Results: There were not significant differences between two groups for improvement of F0, Jitter, Shimmer, NHR, and MPT before and after surgery. The findings suggest that elderly group compares quite well with adult group in effectiveness of surgery. However, comparison between elderly group and young group (Age under 40) there was significant difference of improvement in Jitter and Shimmer. Conclusion: In general, the results of the present research showed significant improvement in vocal quality after phonosurgery of vocal polyp in both elderly and adult group. However, comparison of improvement between elderly group and young group, there were significant differences of improvement in jitter and shimmer. Therefore, in treatment planning of elderly group, we should consider age related changes of vocal cord.

• Speech Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.157-168
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• 2008

Vocal polyp is one of the representative chronic diseases of vocal folds, and it can be cured by voice therapy and/or laryngeal microsurgery. However, the existing therapeutic methods about vocal polyp are in great demand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vocal improvement between laryngeal microsurgery and $SKMVTT^{(R)}$ (Seong-Tae Kim's Multiple Voice Therapy Technique), which was designed by the author. We identified 37 patients, who were diagnosed with unilateral vocal polyp, aged from 21 to 62 years(mean age: 46 years). 21 patients were treated by the $SKMVTT^{(R)}$ and the other 16 patients were only treated by the laryngeal microsurgery. All patients who were treated by the $SKMVTT^{(R)}$, received 12 sessions of treatment, and were evaluated before therapy and after finishing the 12th session. The patients who were treated by laryngeal microsurgery, were evaluated prior to and at least 8 weeks after surgery. The results showed that the $SKMVTT^{(R)}$ produced better results compared to the laryngeal microsurgery alone. The $SKMVTT^{(R)}$ produced better results, especially, at the initial stage of voice therapy compared with those of laryngeal microsurgery. In this study, we can suggest that $SKMVTT^{(R)}$ may be useful in improving the voice qualities of vocal polyp patients. However, more data should be collected and evaluated to be widely used in other clinics.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.145-151
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• 2001

Background and Objectives : A voice therapy can be used the basic method for the voice improvement of patients with the voice disorders. However, according to each voice disorders, various results of treatments have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of the patients who did not improved after the voice therapy and to explore factors that could affect the results of the voice therapy. Material and Method : There are patients (n=49) diagnosed as the vocal nodule and patients (n=13) diagnosed as the vocal polyp. They received the voice therapy more than 6 times from September, 2000 to August, 2001. Clinical features, stroboscopic findings, esophagographic findings and PNS x-ray findings were compared between the improved and the nonimproved groups. Results : Before the voice therapy, PNS x-ray found two of all patients had the paranasal sinusitis. 14 of the vocal nodule patients (28.6%) and 8 of the vocal polyp (61.5%) had GERD in the esophagogram. However, the recovery rate after the voice therapy had no significant difference in both the vocal nodule and vocal polyp with GERD. In patients with the vocal nodule, 47 of 49 (95.9%) improved after the voice therapy. 6 of them were found the clearly decreased lesion in the stroboscopy. But, in patients with the vocal polyp, 7 of 13 (53.8%) improved after the voice therapy and did not have improvement through the stroboscopy. Conclusion : If the treatment of GERD is given with the voice therapy after the evaluation of GERD, it is helpful to increase the effects of the voice therapy. And, if patients were improved partially or unimproved after voice therapy, it was important to evaluate all factors-motivation, compliance and cooperation-related with patients will. Through this, some factors might be minimized except diseases differences.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1979.05a
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• pp.6.3-7
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• 1979

During last two. decades, microlaryngeal surgery opened now era in the laryngeal surgery. In 1960, using Lynch's suspension laryngoscope, Seal co et al performed the first successful microsurgery in the treatment of polyp and other laryngeal diseases. In 1968, Kleinsasser reported a new technique of microlaryngeal surgery with a self retaining laryngoscope. Authors studied the statistic analysis of 53 cases (75 times) of the suspension laryngoscopic microsurgery at E.N.T. department of Han Yang University Hospital from May 1972 to April 1979 an reported this result. 1) sex distribution was male 1.3 : female 1. 2) age distribution was 3rd decade 14 cases (26.4%), 2nd decade 10 cases (18.7%) and 5th decade 9 cases (17%) in order. 3) chief compliant was hoarseness 48 cases (90.6%), dyspnea 16 cases (30.5%) and sore throat 8 cases (15.1%) in order. 4) diagnostic impression was polyp 18 cases (34%), nodule 12 cases (22.6%), papilloma 9 cases (17%), tumor 7 cases (13.2%), intubation granuloma 3 cases (5.7%) in order and other kinds were laryngeal stenosis with decannulation difficulty, laryngeal paralysis and hematoma. 5) histopathologic result of 48 cases was polyp 17 cases (35.4%), papilloma 11 cases (23%), nodule 9 cases (18.9%), malignancy 3 cases (6.3%), chronic inflammation 2 cases (4.2%) in order and others were hyperkeratosis, mucous retension cyst, nodule associated abscess, granuloma, hematoma and unconfirmed case. 6) in involved site, both sides 15 cases (60%), Lt.side 5 cases (19%), Rt side 3 cases (12%), anterior commissure 3 cases (12%) on the nodule and polyp (26 cases) and whole laryngeal involvement 7 cases (63.6%), one side cord involement 3 cases (23.7%), extralaryngeal involvement 1 cases (9.1%) on the papilloma (11 cases).

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.43-49
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• 2009

Vocal polyps are benign phonotraumatic lesions which are traditionally treated using phonomicrosurgical techniques. In the case of hyperfunctional voice use, voice therapy is effective and results in voice improvement. However, the utility of voice therapy about vocal polyp is in great demand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of voice therapy in patients with vocal polyps. The authors reviewed the medical records of 193 patients with vocal nodules or vocal polyps, and 64 patients (31 nodules and 33 polyps) were enrolled. All of the subjects had received explanation of problems, vocal hygiene education, and been treated by the $SKMVTT^{(R)}$ (Seong-Tae Kim's multiple voice therapy technique) ranging from 4 to 16 sessions (mean: 8.6 sessions). All subjects were examined by perceptual assessment, acoustic and aerodynamic measures, and VRP (voice range profile). In perceptual assessment, patients with vocal nodules had more breathy and strained voices than the vocal polyp group. Both groups significantly reduced rough, breathy voice after voice therapy. Patients with vocal polyps had worse voice quality than patients with nodules in acoustic measures. Both groups showed reduced jitter and shimmer after voice therapy. In aerodynamic measures, MPT and Psub were increased, and MFR was reduced (p<.05). Participants' frequency range and intensity range were increased after voice therapy, but only frequency range resulted in a significant difference (p<.05). In conclusion, the therapeutic effect of voice therapy in patients with vocal nodules and polyps was demonstrated perceptually and acoustically. We can suggest that voice therapy, including advice, vocal hygiene, and $SKMVTT^{(R)}$ is a useful as an initial choice of treatment for patients with vocal polyps before considering a surgical approach.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.118-123
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• 2021

The pulsed photoangiolytic 532-nm potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser has emerged in recent years as an efficacious treatment modality for vocal fold lesions. It also has broadened the indications for other laryngeal laser surgery. Features of KTP laser that it is a fiber-based delivery system and its energy is selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin make it suitable for office-based laryngeal procedures. An office-based KTP laser surgery provides an alternative management option for benign laryngeal diseases and can be performed comfortably under flexible endoscopic guidance which is placed through the nose of a fully awake patient. Office-based laryngeal surgery with a KTP laser can alleviate the need for general anesthesia. However, there are some limitations to apply due to reduced visual precision and the fact that the vocal folds are moving during procedures. Clinicians should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of office-based procedures before a treatment option is selected. Patient selection and standardized laser energy parameters may help in decreasing complications and improving the treatment results.