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Vocal fold paralysis: role of bilateral transverse cordotomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 September 2009

Y Bajaj ,
N Sethi ,
A Shayah ,
A T Harris ,
P Henshaw ,
A P Coatesworth  and
A R Nicolaides
Y Bajaj*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, York Hospital, UK
N Sethi
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, York Hospital, UK
A Shayah
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, York Hospital, UK
A T Harris
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, York Hospital, UK
P Henshaw
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, York Hospital, UK
A P Coatesworth
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, York Hospital, UK
A R Nicolaides
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, York Hospital, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Y Bajaj, 2 Tall Trees, Leeds LS17 7WA, UK. Fax: 01132663305 E-mail: ybajaj@hotmail.co.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

Although modern endoscopic laser techniques aim to avoid a permanent tracheostomy by augmenting the glottic aperture in cases of bilateral vocal fold palsy, loss of tissue from the posterior glottis risks compromising voice quality and swallowing function. The objective of this study was to describe our experience with bilateral transverse posterior cordotomy.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of functional outcomes in a series of consecutive patients undergoing a simple modification of the classical laser cordectomy procedure, which avoids tissue loss. The procedure was confined to the complete release of the vocal ligament from the arytenoid cartilage on both sides, while avoiding any significant loss of mucosa or cartilage.

Results:

Post-operative voice quality and quality of life were rated as good by most patients, which makes bilateral transverse cordotomy an attractive treatment option for bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Conclusion:

Bilateral transverse cordotomy is a reliable treatment option for patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis, and aims to avoid the morbidity associated with a permanent tracheostomy.

Keywords

Vocal Cord ParalysisVocal CordsCordotomyArytenoid Cartilages
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 12 , December 2009 , pp. 1348 - 1351
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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