Dr Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University Cairo, EGY
Introduction: Dysphonia due unilateral vocal fold paralysis is distressing and can affect the quality of life. This study is to evaluate the efficacy of our technique for medialization laryngoplasty in glottic incompetence due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Methods: This study is a case series study done at our tertiary referral center from January 2018 to May 2020, involving eighteen adult patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis due to different reasons with phonatory gap more than 2 mm and no improvement for more than 9 months. They underwent our technique of endoscopic assisted medialization laryngoplasty using Dacron® and are followed up for one year for any complications postoperatively or recurrence of symptoms. Patients were evaluated pre and postoperatively (one week, three months and one year after) by laryngoscopic examination, Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain score (GRBAS) and Voice Handicap Index-10 score (VHI-10)
Results: Eighteen patients were involved in this study (aged 20 to 65, eleven were females). All patients showed improvement of glottic closure postoperatively and in follow up. Also, there is statistically significant improvement in GRBAS and VHI-10 postoperatively and in follow up. None of the patients exhibited major complications. Only one case developed wound dehiscence after one week and managed conservatively.
Conclusions: This technique was found to be effective in closure of the glottic gap and improvement of dysphonia with negligible rate of complications and rapid recovery time.
