[Indication and timing of conservative surgery of peripheral neurogenic vocal cord pareses (author's transl)].

1. In every case of a vocal cord paresis, its cause should be carefully sought. 2. "Pseudopareses" of the vocal cord can be excluded by electromygraphy. 3. In all cases of neurogneic vocal cord praeses and regardless of aetiology, immediate phoniatric training is indicated for acceleration of nerve regeneration as well as electrostimulation for the prevention of muscular atrophy and ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint. 4. If such therapy is neglected, the functional results of spontaneous regeneration, neurolysis and nerve plasty are doubtful. 5. If in cases of mechanical lesions of the recurrent nerve one decides to operate, electromyography of the larynx and a mobility test of the cricoarytenoid joints to be done first. 6. Compression or overstretching of the nerve should be followed by neurolysis after 5 months, unless the nerve has regenerated spontaneously. 7. When the recurrent nerve has had to be served it should be repaired by anastomosis as soon as possible. 8. Judging by our experience in regeneration of the laryngeal nerves, we feel that operations for opening or closure of the glottis are indicated only after 2 years.