The treatment of partial CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis

Abstract

Objective:To assess the efficacy of partial CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy in cases with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Method:A total number of 11 patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis who undergone partial CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy was included in this retrospective study. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by compare the form of glottis, the scale of dyspnea and the change of voice preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as the occurrence of surgery complications such as dysphonia and dysphagia. Result:①All patients showed alleviation of dyspnea and had the endotracheal tube removed successfully in 1-2 months after the surgery. ②All patients were satisfied with their pronunciation and the objective index showed that all voice grading was between mild and moderate. ③Only two patients had suffered slightly bucking while on a liquid diet or eating too fast, but the symptoms had disappeared after some exercises and eating properly. Conclusion:Unilateral CO₂ laser partial arytenoidectomy is an effective, economic and less-suffering procedure which can not only solve the dyspnea results from bilateral vocal fold abductor paralysis but also can be grasped quickly by the surgeons.