Intracordal Teflon injection: a question of timing.

Intracordal Teflon injection is commonly performed for recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. It is generally agreed that injection should not be performed for a period of six months from the onset of an 'idiopathic' paralysis. A case is presented in which recovery occurred late, after intracordal injection, with unfortunate results. Successful removal of the Teflon is described. The advisability of a longer wait before surgery for 'idiopathic' recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is considered.