Treatment of sulcus vocalis: Auditory perceptual and acoustical analysis of the slicing mucosa surgical technique

Sulcus vocalis is a furrow in the mucosa of the vocal folds that causes glottic insufficiency, irregular vibrations, and a distinctive dysphonia of variable severity. Treatment of sulcus vocalis needs to achieve anatomical and functional improvements that satisfy the behavior of the larynx and vocal quality. We suggest a combined approach, which includes vocal fold mucosal surgery through a technique called slicing mucosa, followed by intensive vocal rehabilitation. The aim of the surgery is to detach the mucosa of the sulcus and to interrupt the longitudinal fibrotic tension lines. The results of this procedure in 10 patients were analyzed through visual, auditory, and acoustical methods, and the data lead us to conclude that the treatment proposed offered a good anatomical result, a better vibratory pattern, and an improvement in overall vocal quality.