Study of Forces on the Tongue During Laryngeal Surgery Using Direct Laryngoscopy Impact on Pain, Sensation, and Taste with Real-Time Force Monitoring

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the forces on the tongue and nearby structures during laryngeal surgery to understand how these forces might affect patient outcomes like pain, numbness, and taste changes. The study also looks at whether factors such as the type of procedure, surgeon experience, and surgical tools influence these forces. This information aims to help reduce harmful forces and improve surgical results. The study involves two groups of patients undergoing direct laryngoscopy. For the first 50 patients, force measurements will be taken during surgery but surgeons will not see them. For the next 50 patients, surgeons will receive real-time force data during surgery and can adjust their technique to reduce force. Post-operative outcomes will be collected in both groups. Participants will have assessments including pain questionnaires at 1 day, 14 days, and 1 month after surgery. Researchers will also evaluate tongue movement, sensation, and taste changes during follow-up visits. The study is planned to run until early 2027 and is sponsored by the University of California, San Francisco.

Force Sensor Study