Endoscopic extralaryngeal approach subtotal arytenoidectomy in the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis

Objective: To evaluate endoscopic extralaryngeal approach subtotal arytenoidectomy for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Methods: Thirteen cases of bilateral median vocal cord paralysis was operated by endoscopic extralaryngeal approach unilateral subtotal arytenoidectomy. All of them had tracheostomy before. The airway was modified about 5-6 mm via endoscopic in operating. The airway was evaluated by fibro laryngoscopy, and the voice quality was assessed subjectively by the patients and the surgeon before and after surgery.

Results: All cases were followed-up 6-36 months. The function of airway successfully restored, and the voice quality was kept satisfactory. All patients were decannulated after 8 to 15 days within the mean time 11.5 days post-operation. There were no granulation and no aspiration at the surgical site post operateally.

Conclusions: The operation of extralaryngeal approach unilateral subtotal arytenoidectomy in endoscopy is a better restoration of airway with satisfying voice and without aspiration after operation. The procedure is simple, reliable and efficient for treatment of patients with bilateral median vocal cord paralysis.