Dysphagia Is Associated With Need for Surgical Voice Restoration in Unilateral Vocal Fold Immobility

Objective To evaluate the association between patient‐reported dysphagia symptoms, measured by the Eating Assessment Tool‐10 (EAT‐10), and the need for surgical voice restoration in patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI). Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on adult patients (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with UVFI at a tertiary care hospital from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Patients with EAT‐10 scores and subjective dysphagia assessments were included. Demographic data, medical history, and laryngoscopic findings, including glottic gap size, were collected. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between EAT‐10, Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10), and clinical factors with the need for Type I Thyroplasty with or without arytenoid repositioning. Results Eighty patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 31 (38.75%) required surgery. The median EAT‐10 score for patients requiring surgery was significantly higher than for those who did not (13 vs. 2, p < 0.001). Similarly, the median VHI‐10 score was higher in the surgical group (33 vs. 24, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that higher EAT‐10 (OR = 1.08, p = 0.004) and VHI‐10 (OR = 1.08, p = 0.002) were associated with needing surgery. Multivariable analysis confirmed that both EAT‐10 (OR = 1.058, p = 0.029) and VHI‐10 (OR = 1.066, p = 0.022) were independent predictors. Conclusion Higher EAT‐10 and VHI‐10 scores are significant predictors of surgical voice restoration in UVFI patients. These findings support the use of patient‐reported outcomes to identify and counsel patients who may benefit from surgery.