Aerodynamic measurements in medialization thyroplasty.

OBJECTIVE

External vocal fold medialization thyroplasty is a standard technique for improving voice, swallowing and breathing impairments due to insufficient glottal closure caused by either unilateral vocal fold paralysis or deficit of vocal fold tissue (i.e. as a result of cordectomy, scarring processes or sulcus glottidis). However, only scant information is available concerning the effect of the medialization thyroplasty on aerodynamic parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vocal fold medialization thyroplasty on the degree of laryngeal stenosis using selected aerodynamic parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty patients (12 female, 18 male) underwent external vocal fold medialization with a titanium vocal fold medialization implant under local anesthesia supplemented by i.v. sedation. Pulmonary function tests were performed pre- and postoperatively and selected parameters were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

All patients reported improved self-control of breathing during speaking, laughing, coughing and physical activity. The postoperative values of the parameters tested showed no significant alteration in comparison to the preoperative data.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of the aerodynamic findings indicated that the medialization procedure using an implant did not cause an increase in the laryngeal resistance.