The Role of Videostroboscopy in Diagnosing Chronic Dysphonia

Abstract

While videostroboscopy is a well-established procedure, its integration as a routine component of voice assessment has not been as readily embraced. Consensus exists regarding the efficacy of using rigid fiberoptic telescopes to attain a clear, enlarged visual representation that can be recorded and employed for pre- and post-treatment comparisons, documentation, teaching, and research. Nonetheless, certain doubts persist concerning the extent to which videolaryngoscopy and/or videostroboscopy can alter the diagnosis and treatment outcome of patients with voice disorders when compared to indirect laryngoscopy. The aim of our study is to assess the interest and contribution of videostroboscopy in the diagnosis of chronic dysphonia. Our study has involved  eighty-four individuals with dysphonia who underwent videolaryngoscopy with and without stroboscopic examination revealed that videostroboscopy had a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of numerous patients. Particularly, it proved most advantageous in cases where functional dysphonia and vocal fold paralysis were originally diagnosed through indirect laryngoscopy. The enhanced visibility and magnification afforded by rigid fiberoptic telescopes during videolaryngoscopy, coupled with the comprehensive assessment of glottic closure, mucosal wave, and amplitude characteristics provided by stroboscopic examination, facilitated the identification of subtle vocal fold abnormalities that would have otherwise been overlooked using indirect laryngoscopy.