Local Complications after Laser Arytenoidectomy due to Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

Abstract

Summary The total laser arytenoidectomy is currently one of the most frequent endoscopic procedures in bilateral vocal cord paralysis. The laser introduction in such cases in the early eighties resulted in great advancement. However, the best method – free of complications – does not exist yet. The aim of the study was to analyse the rate, character and reasons of local complications. 40 patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis were treated in II ENT Department Silesian Medical University. All of them underwent total laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy due to persistent bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Vocal cord paralysis occurred in 38 patients after thyroidectomy and 2 cases were classified as idiopathic. Among 40 operated patients the local complications appeared in 3 of them (7,5%). After the complications were totally excised in re-operation, a histopathological analysis was done. The significant degree of inflammation responsible for prolonged healing and the appearance of granulation was shown. The presence of the tracheostomy during the healing process is suspected to be a potential reason of this complication. Also, the other factors influencing on healing process were analysed. The necessity of anti-inflammatory prevention during and after the surgery was emphasized. The only complication of laser surgery observed was granulation tissue appearence.