Management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis continues to generate controversy. Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) injection remains the most popular procedure for medialization; however, there are problems involved with its use. Endoscopic assessment of patients treated with medialization laryngoplasty revealed a normal mucosal wave form in contrast to the stiff vocal fold observed with Teflon injection. Medialization laryngoplasty is also considered a reversible procedure. Based on these findings, medialization laryngoplasty should be considered the procedure of choice for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.