The Laryngoscope
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Voice dysfunction is a known consequence of cricothyroidotomy, but few detailed analyses have been published. This study reports an investigation of voice function in 19 patients who underwent cricothyroidotomy during a 12-month period (54 were patients operated on, 29 survived the primary disease or injury, and 19 agreed to participate in the investigation). ⋯ Four patients had signs of diminished external tensor effect on the vocal folds (mild or moderate voice dysfunction), 5 patients had other voice disorders, and 10 were classified as having normal voice. Elective cricothyroidotomy should be avoided in patients with professional or other activities that place heavy demands on the voice.