Minimum dataset for endolaryngeal surgery: pilot study.

INTRODUCTION

Airway endoscopy carries a risk of detrimental effects. We aimed to develop a minimum endolaryngeal surgery dataset, for use in laryngology practice as an audit tool.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A minimum dataset was designed, incorporating pre- and post-operative clinical, surgical and patient-reported data. We prospectively recruited 272 consecutive patients between May 2007 and May 2009. The Voice Symptom Scale was used to assess patient-reported vocal morbidity.

RESULTS

Complete clinical and surgical details were obtained for 272 patients (100 per cent). Thus, information on diagnosis, procedure type and procedure aim was obtained for all patients. The Voice Symptom Scale was completed pre-operatively by 250 patients, and three months post-operatively by 169 patients (68 per cent). A statistically significant improvement in Voice Symptom Scale score was observed in patients undergoing surgery to improve their voice, compared with pre-operative measurements (p = 0.01).

DISCUSSION

We developed a minimum dataset to characterise endolaryngeal surgical activity and outcomes. This dataset could be used to determine best practice, and to audit endolaryngeal surgery outcomes for surgeon recertification and revalidation.