Stroboscopic Parameters Reported as Voice Outcome Measures in Patients Treated for Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Kendrea L Focht, Bonnie Martin-Harris, Heather Shaw Bonilha
2013 Journal of medical speech-language pathology  
A systematic review of the use of stroboscopy as a treatment outcome measure of vocal fold function in patients treated for laryngeal cancer is presented. Computerized literature searches were performed. Eligible articles were admitted when stroboscopy was used to measure vocal fold function before and after treatment in patients with laryngeal cancer. Data extracted included: tumor stage and location, treatment modality, stroboscopy parameters, parameter scale, number of raters, rater
more » ... ty, methodology, and level of evidence. Of 520 articles retrieved, 11 studies met inclusion criteria. A total of twenty-four parameters were reported. Rating scales and rater reliability varied. Major methodological differences exist in studies using stroboscopic findings as voice outcome measures in patients' post-cancer treatment. These differences lead to equivocal findings when assessing the utility of stroboscopy as an outcome measure. Standardized, reliable scoring and reporting systems for laryngeal stroboscopic examinations are needed.
pmid:25339842 pmcid:PMC4203318 fatcat:fvqkvccu6jec5hx7nb7jmth6ai