Rediscover Your Voice: Everything You Need to Know About Voice Surgery

Phonosurgery is the set of surgical procedures performed to treat disorders in the vocal cords, the organs used in producing the voice. Problems in the vocal cords such as diseases, wounds, inflammations, nodules and cysts prevent the voice from coming out correctly. Voice surgery is applied to eliminate such problems, increase the quality of the voice and enable the person to regain normal voice functions.

The aim of voice surgery is to repair the mechanisms that ensure the voice is produced correctly. Nodules or polyps in the vocal cords can lead to the deterioration of the voice. In addition, various problems related to the vocal cords and the surrounding muscles, connective tissue and nerves can also negatively affect the quality of the voice. Phonosurgery aims at the treatment of such situations.

Voice surgery is performed to treat a number of problems related to the vocal cords. Phonosurgery procedures are usually applied in the following cases:

• Nodules and Polyps in the Vocal Cords: This is a condition seen frequently especially in professional voice users. Nodules or polyps can form as a result of overuse or trauma in the vocal cords. This can lead to the deterioration of the voice and make it difficult for the person to produce sound. In such cases surgical intervention may be needed.

• Cysts in the Vocal Cords: Cysts that form in the vocal cords impair the quality of the voice. These cysts can be surgically removed and the natural flow of the voice can be provided.

• Vocal Cord Cancers: Removing the cancerous cells in the vocal cords through surgical intervention can help both the recovery of the voice and the preservation of the person's health.

• Nerve Problems: Damage to the nerves that control the vocal cords prevents the voice from coming out properly. Nerve repair and recovery processes can be done with voice surgery.

• Weakness or Tightness in the Voice Muscles: The muscles that enable the voice to come out can also benefit from surgery. The muscles in the vocal cords can weaken or become excessively tight over time. Such situations can be corrected with phonosurgery and the voice quality increased.

Voice surgery can be done using minimally invasive methods. That is, the procedure can be carried out with microsurgical techniques without making large incisions. This allows the recovery process to be faster. Voice surgery procedures are usually done with the following methods:

• Microsurgical Techniques: With small incisions made on the vocal cords, damaged tissues or nodules are cleaned. In this procedure, very fine and delicate surgical instruments are used. Microsurgery leads to less tissue damage and the recovery process is shorter.

• Endoscopic Surgery: The endoscope is a device that allows surgeons to see inside the vocal cords. Endoscopic surgery allows direct intervention in the vocal cords, enabling the surgeon to perform the procedure more clearly. When operating with this method, entry is usually made through the nostrils or via the mouth.

• Laser Surgery: Surgical intervention with laser is a technique used in cleaning nodules or polyps in the vocal cords. Laser light can perform the cutting procedure correctly without damaging the tissues.

Voice surgery helps people regain their healthy voices. It is of great importance especially for professional voice users (singers, teachers, actors, etc.). Here are some benefits provided by voice surgery:

• Increased Voice Quality: The correction of disorders in the vocal cords helps the voice come out clearer, stronger and healthier.

• Ease of Breathing: The correct production of the voice also facilitates breathing. This is very important especially for professional voice users.

• Long-Term Preservation of the Voice: Voice surgery, by eliminating the problems that cause the deterioration of the voice, ensures that the voice stays healthy for a longer time.

• Support of a Professional Career: Professional voice users such as singers, teachers and actors can continue their careers thanks to voice surgery. Since voice problems can negatively affect professional life, they can continue their careers thanks to phonosurgery.

Voice surgery is usually suitable for people who experience a voice problem and cannot use their voice properly due to disorders in the vocal cords. The following are suitable candidates for voice surgery:

• Professional Voice Users: Professional voice users such as singers, teachers, actors and speakers can turn to phonosurgery to keep their voices healthy for a long time.

• People Experiencing Voice Problems: People who experience problems such as irregularities in their voice, voice loss, hoarseness or throat pain can also solve these problems with voice surgery.

• Those with Problems in the Voice Muscles or Nerves: Those who experience damage to the nerves going to the vocal cords or weakening in the voice muscles can also benefit from phonosurgery.

Voice surgery (phonosurgery) is an important medical field for treating problems in the vocal cords and ensuring that the voice is regained in a healthy way. Both professional voice users and anyone experiencing a voice problem can benefit from voice surgery. Such surgeries provide a fast recovery process by being done with minimally invasive methods. Voice surgery, when applied correctly and effectively, can improve the person's social life and professional career by increasing the quality of the voice. If you are experiencing any problem with your voice, you can get information about voice surgery by consulting an ear, nose and throat specialist and create a treatment plan suited to your needs.