Self-perception of vocal fatigue in the late postoperative period of individuals undergoing thyroidectomy

Abstract

Introduction: thyroidectomy is widely used to treat thyroid diseases and may cause persistent vocal alterations, such as vocal fatigue, which negatively impact quality of life. Objective: to identify the self-perception of vocal fatigue in individuals in the late postoperative period of thyroidectomy and compare findings to sociodemographic and clinical data. Method: observational, cross-sectional, analytical study conducted in a university hospital with a convenience sample. Included were patients ≥18 years, with ≥1 year since thyroidectomy, without a history of laryngeal surgery or other associated neoplasms. Data on sex, age, self-reported skin color, time since surgery, type of nodule, treatment (surgery alone or combined with radioiodine therapy/radiotherapy), speech therapy history, and vocal complaints were collected. The Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) was applied, and Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used (p<0.05). Results: twenty-nine individuals participated, mean age of 54,8 years, mostly female (86.3%), and self-reported as mixed-race (62.1%). Postoperative time ranged from 1 to 10 years, with malignant nodules predominating (68.9%). Most had not undergone speech therapy (79.3%) and reported vocal complaints (75.8%). Mean VFI scores for factors 1, 2, and 3 were 6.89, 3.06, and 2.37, with factors 1 and 3 above the cutoff. Factor 4 averaged 6.34, suggesting limited recovery with rest. The total VFI score was high in 82.7% of participants, with no significant difference with sociodemographic or clinical variables. Conclusion: Individuals in the late postoperative period of thyroidectomy perceive persistent vocal fatigue, regardless of sex, time since surgery, type of nodule, or treatment performed.