Voice plays a crucial role in human life. Communication, sharing emotions, and many professional fields require the voice to be used correctly and effectively. However, there may be various issues that prevent the proper use of the voice. These problems often stem from structural disorders in the vocal cords. This is where voice surgery, also known as phonosurgery, comes into play. Phonosurgery encompasses surgical procedures aimed at solving voice problems and restoring healthy voice function. Voice surgery can be an effective solution not only for professional voice users but also for anyone experiencing voice issues.
What is Phonosurgery?
Phonosurgery is a set of surgical procedures aimed at treating disorders in the vocal cords, which are the organs responsible for producing sound. Diseases, lesions, inflammation, nodules, and cysts on the vocal cords can prevent proper sound production. Voice surgery is performed to eliminate these issues, improve the quality of the voice, and restore normal voice function.
The purpose of voice surgery is to repair the mechanisms that enable the correct production of sound. Nodules or polyps on the vocal cords can lead to voice distortion. Additionally, various problems with the muscles, connective tissue, and nerves around the vocal cords can negatively impact the quality of the voice. Phonosurgery aims to treat these conditions.
Applications of Phonosurgery
Voice surgery is performed to treat a range of issues related to the vocal cords. Phonosurgery is generally applied in the following cases:
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Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps: These conditions are especially common in professional voice users. Excessive use or trauma to the vocal cords can cause the formation of nodules or polyps, leading to voice distortion and difficulty in producing sound. Surgical intervention may be necessary in such cases.
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Vocal Cord Cysts: Cysts formed on the vocal cords can impair voice quality. These cysts can be surgically removed to restore the natural flow of the voice.
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Vocal Cord Cancer: Surgical removal of cancerous cells from the vocal cords can help improve voice function and preserve the individual’s health.
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Nerve Problems: Damage to the nerves controlling the vocal cords can hinder proper sound production. Nerve repair and recovery processes can be achieved through voice surgery.
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Weakness or Tension in the Vocal Muscles: The muscles responsible for sound production may benefit from surgery. Over time, the muscles around the vocal cords may become weakened or excessively tight. These issues can be corrected through phonosurgery to improve voice quality.
Methods of Voice Surgery
Voice surgery can be performed using minimally invasive methods, meaning the procedure can be carried out with micro-surgical techniques, without making large incisions. This allows for a faster recovery process. The following methods are commonly used for voice surgery:
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Microsurgical Techniques: Small incisions are made on the vocal cords, and damaged tissues or nodules are removed. This procedure uses very fine and delicate surgical instruments. Microsurgery causes less tissue damage and results in a shorter recovery period.
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Endoscopic Surgery: An endoscope is a device that allows surgeons to visualize the inside of the vocal cords. Endoscopic surgery allows direct intervention on the vocal cords, providing the surgeon with a clearer view for precise procedures. Typically, the procedure is done through the nostrils or the mouth.
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Laser Surgery: Laser surgery is a technique used to remove nodules or polyps from the vocal cords. Laser light can precisely cut tissues without causing damage.
Benefits of Voice Surgery
Voice surgery helps individuals restore their healthy voices. This is especially important for professional voice users (singers, teachers, actors, etc.). Some of the benefits of voice surgery include:
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Improved Voice Quality: By correcting issues with the vocal cords, voice surgery helps the voice sound clearer, stronger, and healthier.
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Easier Breathing: Proper voice production also makes breathing easier, which is crucial for professional voice users.
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Long-term Voice Protection: Voice surgery eliminates the problems that cause voice deterioration, ensuring the voice remains healthy for a longer period.
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Support for Professional Careers: Professional voice users, such as singers, teachers, and actors, can continue their careers with the help of voice surgery. Since voice problems can negatively affect professional life, phonosurgery allows them to continue their careers.
Who is Suitable for Voice Surgery (Phonosurgery)?
Voice surgery is typically suitable for individuals who have voice problems and cannot use their voice properly due to disorders in the vocal cords. The following individuals are suitable candidates for voice surgery:
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Professional Voice Users: Singers, teachers, actors, and speakers who want to maintain their voice health for the long term may seek phonosurgery.
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People Experiencing Voice Problems: Individuals experiencing voice irregularities, voice loss, hoarseness, or throat pain can solve these issues through voice surgery.
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People with Muscle or Nerve Problems: Individuals who experience damage to the nerves leading to the vocal cords or weakening of the voice muscles may also benefit from phonosurgery.
Protect and Strengthen Your Voice
Voice surgery (phonosurgery) is an important medical field aimed at treating issues with the vocal cords and ensuring the healthy restoration of the voice. Both professional voice users and individuals with voice problems can benefit from voice surgery. These surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques, allowing for a quick recovery process. When applied correctly and effectively, voice surgery can improve the quality of the voice, enhancing both personal and professional life. If you are experiencing any issues with your voice, you can consult an ENT specialist to learn more about voice surgery and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
