Spiral computed tomography before and after cricothyroid approximation

Cricothyroid approximation raises the vocal pitch by simulating the contrac tion of the cricothyroid muscle with sutures. The aim of this study was to determine the role of spiral computed tomography (CT) in patients scheduled for cricothyroid approximation. Twenty-nine transsexual patients were exam ined with spiral CT before and after laryngoplastic surgery. Computed tomog raphy findings were correlated with phoniatric findings in all patients. Th e average reduction of the cricothyroid distance was 6 mm (range 2-10 mm). The Vocal pitch elevation was more remarkable in the patient group with gre ater reduction of the cricothyroid distance, Computed tomography accurately determines the cricothyroid distance before and after surgery and is an id eal method for follow-up purposes, especially when there is a postoperative reversion towards a lower pitch. In addition, CT provides important data a s to the most appropriate extent and site of intracordal intervention to be done for a desired pitch elevation.