Is the surgery for vocal cord nodules uncomfortable?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 27, 2024
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Surgery for vocal cord nodules is not particularly uncomfortable, and as of now, it is not the first-choice treatment option. In fact, most patients can consider conservative treatment. This generally involves oral medications and nebulization therapy, and voice rehabilitation training can also be considered. Most patients can effectively control and alleviate their condition after standardized conservative treatment. If the effects of standardized conservative treatment are not satisfactory, surgery may be considered. The current surgical options include microlaryngoscopic surgery or vocal cord nodule excision under fiberoptic laryngoscopy, both of which are minimally invasive and cause minor damage. General anesthesia can also be considered; during the surgery, patients do not feel particularly uncomfortable. After the surgery, it mainly requires voice rest and continuing with nebulization therapy.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative precautions for vocal cord nodules

After vocal cord nodule surgery, attention should be paid to the following aspects: The first is regular follow-ups. Generally speaking, after surgery, it is necessary to regularly check through indirect laryngoscopy and fiberoptic laryngoscopy. The main purpose is to observe the specific recovery situation, especially to check for any related surgical complications or recurrence. The second is the need for vocal rest, especially during the first week after surgery. Try to avoid talking as much as possible and do more deep breathing, because excessive use of the voice can affect the postoperative recovery and easily cause hoarseness. Moreover, it is necessary to check the pathology results. After vocal cord nodule surgery, a pathological biopsy is required. If the pathological slice is benign, regular follow-ups are generally sufficient. If the pathology shows other characteristics, or if it is malignant, further examinations and treatments might be necessary.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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The best treatment method for vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord nodules are often caused by excessive talking, loud speaking, or overuse of the voice. They are commonly found in individuals who frequently use their voices in their professions, such as salespeople, teachers, and singers. The best treatment approach is to address the root cause, which involves speaking less and using proper vocal techniques. This is the optimal treatment plan. However, this method may not always be effective, as some people, due to their occupational needs, cannot fully achieve vocal rest. If vocal rest does not effectively treat the condition, surgical intervention may then be necessary. During the treatment period, after diagnosing vocal cord nodules, vocal rest is the preferred approach. If vocal rest is ineffective or does not fully resolve the nodules, surgery may be required as a follow-up treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to maintain vocal cord nodules in daily life?

Vocal cord nodules are a relatively common vocal cord disease, mainly characterized by nodular neoplasms at the anterior part of one or both vocal cords. The most common clinical symptom is hoarseness, which, overall, is relatively common and not a major threat to health. For daily maintenance, it is important to use the voice reasonably; excessive use should be avoided as it can aggravate hoarseness and inhibit the recovery of vocal cord nodules. Dietary habits also need to be managed; avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods. In terms of treatment, oral medication and nebulization therapy are primarily used, along with recommended voice training, which can be more beneficial for recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How should vocal cord nodules be treated?

The treatment of vocal cord nodules mainly prioritizes conservative management, focusing on pharmacotherapy and simultaneously recommending voice training. Regarding medications, oral traditional Chinese medicines are commonly used, along with inhaled corticosteroids, generally requiring one to two weeks of treatment. Additionally, voice training is necessary to avoid excessive voice use, as it can exacerbate symptoms of hoarseness and lead to recurrent vocal cord nodules. If standardized medication treatments fail and severe hoarseness prevails, a small proportion of patients might consider undergoing vocal cord nodule removal surgery under laryngoscopy. Overall, surgery is not the first option, but its results are relatively definitive.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord nodules hurt?

Vocal cord nodules are symmetric, benign protrusions that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Clinically, the main symptoms of vocal cord nodules include a hoarse voice and fatigue after prolonged speaking, typically without any sensation of pain or causing any pain. Treatment primarily involves medication, voice therapy, and for some vocal cord nodules that appear after an acute upper respiratory infection, hormonal treatment may be required, or combined with some antibiotics. In summary, vocal cord nodules do not cause painful symptoms, and treatment focuses mainly on voice training and rest for the vocal cords.