Patient Satisfaction and Acoustic Changes in Trans Women after Gender Affirming Voice Training.

Objectives: Gains in pitch from gender affirming voice training (GVT) alone in trans women have historically been shown to decline after 1 year. Currently no standard exists for length and type of GVT that yields meaningful behavioral change and patient satisfaction with voice outcomes in trans women. This study aims to determine whether GVT alone leads to sustained pitch elevation and patient satisfaction in trans women.

Positive Predictive Value of Endoscopic Findings to Diagnose Vocal Fold Paresis.

Objective: Laryngoscopy corresponding with laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is essential in diagnosing vocal fold paresis. However, baseline asymmetry or other diseases oftentimes confound the exam, making diagnosis difficult. There is currently no agreed upon endoscopic criteria proven to reliably correlate with LEMG findings.

1-Year Results of Combined Modified Wendler Glottoplasty with Voice Therapy in Transgender Women.

Background: To date, 1-year evaluation of pitch elevation in patients undergoing modified Wendler glottoplasty (WG) in combination with VT has not been assessed.

Objectives: To determine whether 1-year pitch elevation is sustained in patients who undergo modified WG in combination with VT for voice feminization.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent WG in combination with voice therapy (VT) was performed from 2016 to 2020.

Long-term upper aerodigestive sequelae as a result of infection with COVID-19.

Objectives: Respiratory, voice, and swallowing difficulties after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may result secondary to upper airway disease from prolonged intubation or mechanisms related to the virus itself. We examined a cohort who presented with new laryngeal complaints following documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. We characterized their voice, airway, and/or swallowing symptoms and reviewed the clinical course of their complaints to understand how the natural history of these symptoms relates to COVID-19 infections.

Long-Term Voice Outcomes After Type I, Type II, or Type V Cordectomy.

Introduction: We compare long-term voice outcomes in patients treated with European Laryngeal Society (ELS) classification Type I, Type II, or Type V cordectomy. The aim is to understand the impact of Type V cordectomy on voice outcomes in relation to Type I and Type II cordectomy.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated with Type I, Type II, or Type V cordectomy by a single surgeon over a 20-year period was performed.

How can we make better decisions about dystonic voice management?

Purpose Of Review: The optimal diagnosis and management of dystonic voice disorders are rooted in the nuanced understanding of their phenomenology. Distinguishing between subtypes of vocal dystonia is challenging, not only because the audible and physical presentations of these dystonia's can seem similar, but also because there is a lack of scientific consensus regarding the diagnostic criteria for these conditions. To help improve the clinician's acumen we focus on outlining the classification of the top three neurological voice disorders, notably: spasmodic dysphonia, (2) spasmodic dysphonia with tremor, and essential tremor of the voice.

Acute Vocal Fold Paresis and Paralysis After COVID-19 Infection: A Case Series.

Objective: Evidence demonstrates neurotropism is a common feature of coronaviruses. In our laryngology clinics we have noted an increase in cases of "idiopathic" vocal fold paralysis and paresis in patients with no history of intubation who are recovering from the novel SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus (COVID-19). This finding is concerning for a post-viral vagal neuropathy (PVVN) as a result of infection with COVID-19.

Voice assessment of fat injection vs medialization laryngoplasty in nonparalytic dysphonia.

Objective: Compare long-term voice outcomes in patients treated with FIM or BML for nonparalytic dysphonia. There is controversy whether fat injection medialization (FIM) is a durable alternative to bilateral medialization laryngoplasty (BML) for nonparalytic dysphonia (atrophy, sulcus, scar, paresis). Both interventions yield improved voice quality, yet comparison of patients' long-term perceptions of their voice after these procedures has not been performed.

Determining the utility of standard hospital microbiology testing: Comparing standard microbiology cultures with DNA sequence analysis in patients with chronic sinusitis.

Objective: To demonstrate DNA sequencing analysis (DNAsa) of sinus cultures in patients with CRS is a reliable method of detecting pathogens in polymicrobial CRS infections.

Methods: After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval for this prospective cohort study, we selected a random sample of 50 patients with CRS at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital between September 2016 and March 2017. We defined CRS as a history of rhinosinusitis refractory to maximal medical therapy and prior endoscopic sinus surgery.

Voice Changes in the Elderly.

The impact of aging is as inevitable in the larynx as on all biologic systems. The muscles of larynx have the potential to atrophy, the elastin fibers of lamina propria thin with age, and mucous production diminishes. As a result, vocal folds fail to approximate appropriately and the stress on once-robust vocal folds increases.

Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Metastatic Lesions of the Anterior Skull Base: Case Series and Literature Review.

Background: The anterior skull base is an uncommon site for brain metastases. A limited number of cases have been reported where a region of the skull base is accessed through an expanded/extended transsphenoidal route. In addition, reports of overall and progression-free survival rates are lacking.

The natural history of the benign thyroid nodule: what is the appropriate follow-up strategy?

Background: Long-term monitoring of benign thyroid nodules is not addressed in the present American Thyroid Association guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate nature and length of follow-up for patients with a benign thyroid nodule.

Study Design: A retrospective review was performed of all patients referred to single endocrine surgeon for evaluation of thyroid nodules between 2006 and 2012.