Experience with Medialization of the Vocal Cords duringTreatment of Insufficiency of the True Glottis - Evaluation of Results

Overview

The authors evaluate the results obtained in a group of implemented medializationsof the vocal cord. Thyroplasty type 1 was performed 14 times, injection of teflon paste 7 times andinjection of Gelaspon once. Eleven operations were made on account of atrophy of the vocal cord,12 operations on account of unilateral paresis of the vocal cord, in one case a post-traumaticcondition of the larynx was involved. The maximal phonation time after surgery increased inpatients with atrophy by 3 seconds, in patients with pareses of the vocal cord by 9 seconds. Therange of the voice was improved on average by by 6 tones in operated unilateral pareses of the vocalcord and by two tones in atrophy of the vocal cord. The intensity range of the voice improved onaverage in operated atrophies of the vocal cords by 8 dB, in operated pareses of the vocal cords by12 dB. According to subjective data reported by the patients the voice improved in 13 instances andbecame normal or almost normal in 11 instances. Preoperative vocal fatigue receded in 16 instancesand improved in eight. Difficulties with food aspiration were reported in seven cases, in five theyreceded completely, in two they improved.

Key words:
phonosurgery, medialization of the vocal cords thyroplasty, teflon injection.