J Voice. 2026 Mar 19:S0892-1997(26)00096-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2026.02.031. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the voice quality of patients with vocal fold polyps and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and to explore the effect of LPR on voice quality in these patients.
METHODS: A total of 89 adult patients with vocal fold polyps were retrospectively selected between 1 August 2020 and 30 April 2025 using convenience sampling. The reflux finding score (RFS) and the reflux symptom index (RSI) were assessed after vocal fold polypectomy. Patients with an RFS > 7 and an RSI > 13 or with a previous diagnosis of LPR comprised the reflux group, whereas patients with vocal fold polyps but without evidence of LPR comprised the control group. Both groups underwent voice assessment using the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and fiber optic nasopharyngoscopy to evaluate vocal fold morphology. The Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) questionnaire and the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain (GRBAS grade) scale were also used. Differences in the above indicators between the two groups were compared.
RESULTS: The mean VHI-10 score (18.59 ± 8.956 vs 13.51 ± 7.354, P = 0.012) and the GRBAS grade (2.28 ± 0.615 vs 1.91 ± 0.626, P = 0.032) in the reflux group were higher than those in the control group, whereas the V-RQOL score (57.98 ± 20.13 vs 74.12 ± 18.69, P = 0.019) in the reflux group was lower than that in the control group; the differences were statistically significant. The incidence of broad-based vocal fold polyps (72.9% vs 20.8%, P = 0.032) and bilateral vocal fold polyps (78.4% vs 45.8%, P = 0.017) in the reflux group was higher than that in the control group, and these differences were statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux may cause patients with vocal cord polyps to be more prone to sessile vocal cord polyps and bilateral vocal cord polyps, which in turn aggravates the hoarseness of the patient ‘s voice; laryngopharyngeal reflux may also affect the physiological, psychological and quality of life of patients with vocal cord polyps. Anti-reflux therapy is recommended for patients with vocal cord polyps with LPR after surgery.
PMID:41862294 | DOI:10.1016/j.jvoice.2026.02.031
