Endoscopic laser management of bilateral abductor palsy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the results of endoscopic laser surgery in cases of bilateral abductor palsy on basis of respiration, preservation of voice (phonation) and swallowing.

METHODS

This retrospective study includes 48 patients (34 males and 14 females) from 5 years to 68 years of age at the time of intervention. 41 cases were operated with subtotal arytenoidectomy and 7 with unilateral posterior cordectomy. 32 patients were operated with tracheostomy and 16 with combination of intuabtion and jet ventilation.

RESULTS

29 out of 32 tracheostomised patients were decannulated (91%). Respiration was adequate for daily routine activities in most of the operated patients. Phonation was normal to near normal in 32 cases out of the operated 34 adult patients (95%). Most of the patients had normal swallowing following surgery.

CONCLUSION

Subtotal arytenoidectomy with endoscopic laser surgery in cases of bilateral abductor paralysis has established its place as a preferred surgical method to obtain good respiration, phonation and swallowing. It minimizes the surgical time, hospital stay and morbidity.