Foreign body reaction to polymethylsiloxane gel (Bioplastique™) after vocal fold augmentation

Abstract

The consequences of vocal fold paralysis include voice change, airway problems and difficulty swallowing. Medialisation procedures using injected material have been used for many decades, with varying outcomes, mainly secondary to lifespan, tissue reaction or migration. Newer materials have recently become clinically available which are easier to manage and supposedly less likely to elicit foreign body reaction. Case report. We report a case of foreign body reaction and possible migration of polymethylsiloxane gel (Bioplastique), one such material, after vocal fold injection. To our knowledge, this is the second such case described. This case highlights the fact that the risk of foreign body reaction and migration is still present for this material, albeit low. We also highlight the fact that, although this material can cause foreign body reactions and may possibly migrate, it is removable by microlaryngoscopy via the microflap technique, with vocal improvement.