A 532-nm KTP Laser for Vocal Fold Polyps: Efficacy and Relative Factors

Abstract

Objective: We retrospectively analyzed the laryngoscopy results and voice outcomes of patients with vocal polyps who received potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser treatments in a clinician’s office, in order to establish the effectiveness and relative factors affecting the efficacy of this treatment. Material and Methods: We enrolled 25 patients with vocal polyps who had undergone KTP laser treatment in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at our hospital between July 2017 and November 2019. Pre- and postoperative evaluations were measured using laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS), the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire (VHI-30), the GRBAS scale (G hoarseness, R roughness, B breathiness, A asthenia, S strain), and objective acoustic parameters. The reduction rate of lesions was calculated and relative factors affecting efficacy (size, side, location, the position of lesions, type, gender, and occupation) were tested. Results: Areas of lesions decreased from 101.95 ± 70.16 before surgery to 30.49 ± 35.80 after surgery (Z = 5.234, P .05). Other factors we tested did not affect voice outcomes. Conclusion: Potassium titanyl phosphate laser treatment can effectively reduce the lesion area of vocal polyps and improve the voice quality. The presence of small lesions seems to predict good subjective assessments of voice quality, but it remains to be seen whether this correlates with true voice quality.