Phonosurgery.

Abstract

Phonosurgery is composed of procedures that are intended to maintain or improve the quality of the voice by correcting defects in laryngeal sound production. These procedures are rooted in a rich medical history that dates back to the early 19th century. There has been a recent convergence of physiologic principles of voice production with surgical technique theory. Recognition of this interdependence has provided a catalyst for collaboration among surgeons, scientists, speech pathologists, vocal pedagogists, and performing artists. We live in a society that is linked to effective communication, and there is a growing population of individuals who have professional voice responsibilities as part of everyday life. This has created a need for the recent developments in phonosurgery and its emergence as a subspecialty of otolaryngology.