Background: Vocal cord nodules are bilateral swellings of the mid-portion of the membranous vocal folds. They are of variable size and are characterised histologically by thickening of the epithelium with a variable degree of inflammatory action in the underlying superficial lamina propria. They characteristically produce hoarseness. Treatment of vocal cord nodules aims to eliminate or reduce this hoarseness.
Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of surgery versus non-surgical interventions for vocal cord nodules.
Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR) and Medline (1966-2000), Embase (1974-2000), Biological Abstracts (1970-2000), Biological Abstracts RRM (Reports, Reviews and Meetings) on CD-ROM (1989-2000) and review articles.
Selection criteria: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing any surgical intervention for vocal cord nodules with non-surgical treatment or no treatment.
Data collection and analysis: No suitable trials were identified.
Main results: No studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
Reviewer's conclusions: There is a need for high quality randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatment of vocal cord nodules.