Strap Muscle Type I Thyroplasty After Gore‐Tex Implant Extrusion: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

To discuss the presentation and management techniques of implant extrusion following type I thyroplasty and to illustrate the potential of strap muscle for augmentation following implant removal. We report a unique case of a patient with late Gore-Tex implant extrusion after type I thyroplasty treated with removal and autologous strap muscle graft for augmentation. A 41-year-old female nearly 3.5 years status post Gore-Tex type I thyroplasty for left vocal fold paralysis presented for evaluation of dysphonia. Upon flexible laryngoscopy, erythema, edema, and granulation tissue were identified at the left vocal fold and ventricle. The patient subsequently underwent removal of her implant. Intraoperatively, a free portion of sternothyroid muscle was dissected free and placed into the paraglottic space. One month following surgery, the patient reported an improvement in her Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score from 40 to 0. In addition, no major complications were observed and complete glottic closure was achieved. Nine months postsurgery, she continued to function well with a VHI score of 0. At 50 months postop, the patient still reports a VHI score of 0. Implant extrusion is a rare complication of type I thyroplasty usually occurring in the first few months after surgery and more commonly presenting in females. Current management options consist of observation or augmentation with autologous fat or vocal fold injection following implant removal. This is the first report of a successful strap muscle free graft revision thyroplasty following implant extrusion. The patient's excellent long-term outcome highlights the potential of strap muscle augmentation as a feasible management option for implant extrusion.