Author(s)
Eiman Abu Bandora, MD
Michal Icht, PhD
Noa Diamant, Msc
Shir Cohen, BSc
Tehila Frieder BSc
Yotam Lior, MD, PhD
Yuval Nachalon, MD
Yael Oestreicher-Kedem, MD
Affiliation(s)
Ariel University, ISRAEL; Tel Aviv University, ISRAEL
Abstract:
Objective: To present objective voice outcomes via acoustic analyses following direct transvestibular laryngochondroplasty (DTVLCR) in transgender women.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary referral Center. Included were all transgender women who underwent DTVLCP from December 2019 to April 2025. Their pre- and postoperative voice recordings were acoustically analyzed and compared.
Results: Voice recordings of 28 transgender women (mean age = 27.8 years) were available for acoustic analysis. Postoperatively, all patients exhibited intact vocal fold movement and seven reported subjective voice change. A comparison of pre- and postoperative acoustic analysis of the cohort’s voice recordings revealed no statistically significant changes in the measured acoustic parameters [mean fundamental frequency (F0) formant frequencies 1 and 2, jitter, shimmer, and maximum phonation time]. No significant acoustic changes were found between the subgroup of patients who reported subjective postoperative voice changes (n=7) and that of patients who did not (n=21), and between patients who underwent isolated DTVLCR (n=9) and those who had the procedure combined with lower facial feminization surgery (n=19).
Conclusion: No objective significant changes in the measured acoustic voice parameters were observed following DTVLCP, supporting the safety of DTVLCP with respect to voice. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm the durability of this effect.