Aetiology of Vocal Cord Dysfunction at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City

Abstract

Background: The vocal cords are important structures of the larynx responsible for voice production and respiration. The presence of vocal cord dysfunction could affect an individual's quality of life and may occasionally be life threatening. Various factors have been identified as causes of vocal cord dysfunction in our environment.

Objective: To determine the aetiology of vocal cord dysfunction at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Patients and Methods: This was a-three year retrospective study (1 January 2013 st – 31 December 2015) of all patients with vocal cord
dysfunction who had flexible fibreoptic laryngoscopy at the department of Ear, Nose and Throat of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The case note records of the findings on laryngoscopy and the indications for laryngoscopy were reviewed and the data obtained was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 and results presented in tables and figures. Patients with incomplete records were excluded from the study.

Results: A total of 41 patients with vocal cord dysfunction were studied. There were 24 (58.5%) males and 17 (41.5%) females, with Male: Female ratio of 1.4:1. Ages ranged from 0.75 - 89 years, with a mean age of 52.3 ± 1.7 years. Laryngeal tumour was the commonest cause of vocal cord dysfunction, 24 (58.5%) followed by thyroidectomy, 8 (19.5%). The unilateral vocal cord palsy was predominant, 33 (80.5%).

Conclusion: Laryngeal tumour was the major cause of vocal cord dysfunction in our environment. The unilateral vocal cord dysfunction predominated in terms of occurrence.

Keywords: Aetiology, vocal cord, dysfunction, Benin City