The Value of Dynamic Voice CT Scan for Complex Airway Patients Undergoing Voice Surgery

Introduction: Dynamic voice computerized tomography (DVCT) is a novel technique that provides additional information to characterize laryngeal function for patients with complex airway history that may alter surgical decisions. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of DVCT on decision making for reconstructive voice surgery for a cohort of post-airway reconstruction dysphonia patients. Methods: Retrospective chart review at a pediatric tertiary care center for patients with history of complex airway surgery and subsequent reconstructive voice surgery for dysphonia between 2010 and 2016. The study group had a DVCT prior to surgery while the control group underwent surgery without a DVCT. Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) scores were evaluated by the voice clinic team (otolaryngologist, speech therapist) before and after voice surgery. Results: Twenty-one patients were analyzed (14 female, 67%) with a mean age (SD) of 14 (4.5) years old. Ninety percent (17/21) had a prior tracheostomy and a mean (SD) of 2.6 (1.3) airway surgeries. Twelve patients (57%) underwent DVCT prior to reconstructive voice surgery. CAPE-V baseline scores were similar between study and controls (means [SE] = 49 [4.6] and 57 [6.0], P = .72). However, scores significantly improved for the study group after voice surgery (mean [SE] = 31 (4.7), P < .0001) while controls did not improve (58 [5.7], P = .99). Baseline VHI scores were