Long-term voice outcomes of laryngeal framework surgery for unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Mes, S.D.; Hendriksma, M.; Heijnen, B.J.; Goudsmit, B.J.; Jansen, J.C.; Langeveld, A.P.M.; Sjogren, E.V. (2021)

Article / Letter to editor

Objective To evaluate the short- and long-term voice outcomes after unilateral medialization thyroplasty (MT) and unilateral medialization thyroplasty with arytenoid adduction (MT + AA) in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Methods Voice outcomes were assessed preoperatively, and postoperatively at 3 and 12 months according to a standardized protocol. Voice assessment was performed using Voice Handicap Index (VHI), GRBAS Grade, Maximum Phonation Time (MPT), s/z-ratio and subjective numeric rating scales on voice quality, effort, performance and influence on life. Results Sixty-one patients were included (34 MT and 27 MT + AA). Significant pre- to postoperative improvements were seen in all voice outcome parameters. No significant differences in post-operative values were identified between the groups. Conclusion Based on our findings, we conclude that patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who undergo MT and MT + AA achieve comparable and significant long time voice improvement, although voices do not completely normalize. We also conclude that this does not mean that AA is a superfluous procedure, but can indicate the accurate identification of patients in need of the additional AA procedure based on clinical parameters.

• Unilateral vocal fold paralysis
• Medialization thyroplasty
• Arytenoid adduction
• Voice outcome
• Voice Handicap Index

• All authors: Mes, S.D.; Hendriksma, M.; Heijnen, B.J.; Goudsmit, B.J.; Jansen, J.C.; Langeveld, A.P.M.; Sjogren, E.V.
• Date: 2021-11-17
• Journal: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
• DOI: doi:10.1007/s00405-021-07177-7