Endoscopic mucosal suturing of vocal fold with placement of stent for the treatment of glottic stenoses.

BACKGROUND

Stenosis of the glottis can influence both phonation and respiration. The management of laryngeal web is difficult because of the tendency of readhesion to recur locally.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with web from the anterior glottis to the entire membranous portion of the vocal folds were included. All patients underwent endoscopic mucosal suturing or combined with placement of laryngeal silastic sheet stents.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent suture of the vocal fold alone. Seventeen patients underwent suture of the vocal fold combined with silastic sheet placement. The vocal assessment of the perceptual Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Aesthenia, Strain (GRBAS) scale, Voice Handicap Index scores, and maximum phonation time are significantly improved after surgery. Vibration of the vocal folds is normal or close to normal in 23 patients. The patients who were initially tracheotomy dependent were all decannulated.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic suture of the vocal fold and placement of a laryngeal stent can make successful outcomes for laryngeal web.