Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis Research Articles

Airway and Voice Outcomes After Thyroarytenoid Myomectomy for Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.

Type 4 posterior glottic stenosis and bilateral vocal fold paralysis are clinically challenging causes of bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) that result in glottic airway obstruction. Established procedures for BVFI typically worsen dysphonia. We hypothesize the use of thyroarytenoid myomectomy (TAM) in the setting of BVFI will improve dyspnea with decreased detriment to voice. Eleven unilateral TAM procedures were performed between April 2021 and June 2023 at a single institution. Pre- and postoperative patient reported outcomes were compared. Representative images of maximal glottic opening were analyzed in ImageJ to calculate ipsilateral bowing index (BI), total BI, maximum glottic surface area (MGSA), and maximum opening angle (MOA). Statistical comparisons were performed with paired t-tests when normality was confirmed with Shapiro-Wilk test and otherwise with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with threshold for significance of α = 0.05. Interrater reliability for objective glottal measures was compared with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Dyspnea Index improved from mean (standard error) of 24.1 (3.8) to 9.1 (3.3), p = 0.004. Voice Handicap Index-10 improved from 20.0 (4) to 10.3 (3.8), p = 0.011. Glottal Function Index improved from 9.6 (1.4) to 6.3 (1.3), p = 0.017. There was no significant difference in ipsilateral BI, total BI, MOA, and median MGSA. There was good to excellent ICCs for all comparisons (0.83-0.95). TAM demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms from BVFI while not significantly altering glottal structure. These data suggest TAM improves dyspnea in patients with BVFI without significantly impairing voice. 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Analysis of vocal fold movement characteristics in patients with laryngeal neurogenic injury

Objective:To analyze the characteristics of vocal fold movement and glottic closure in patients with laryngeal neurogenic injury. Methods:A total of 185 patients with vocal fold paralysis diagnosed by laryngeal electromyography as neurogenic damage to cricothyroid muscle, thyreoarytenoid muscle and posterior cricoarytenoid muscle were enrolled, they were divided into unilateral vocal fold paralysis group and bilateral vocal fold paralysis group, respectively, and superior laryngeal paralysis group, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis group and vagal nerve paralysis group according to nerve injury. The characteristics of vocal fold movement and glottic closure were analyzed under strobe laryngoscope. The qualitative evaluation of vocal fold movement was fixed vocal fold, reduced vocal fold movement and normal vocal fold movement, and the qualitative evaluation of glottic closure was glottic closure and glottic imperfection. The results were analyzed statistically. Results:The proportion of normal, reduced and fixed vocal fold motion in bilateral vocal fold paralysis group was significantly different from that in unilateral vocal fold paralysis group（P<0.05）, the composition of normal and reduced vocal fold motion in bilateral vocal fold paralysis group（47.70%） was significantly greater than that in unilateral vocal fold paralysis group（12.27%）. There was no significant difference between the proportion of glottic closure and glottic imperfecta in bilateral vocal fold paralysis group and unilateral vocal fold paralysis group（P<0.05）. The proportion of decreased vocal fold motion in superior laryngeal nerve paralysis group（50.00%） was higher than that in recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis group（9.32%） and vagal nerve paralysis group（9.00%）. The proportion of decreased and fixed vocal fold motion in superior laryngeal nerve paralysis group, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis group and vagal nerve paralysis group was statistically significant（P<0.05）.There was no significant difference in glottic closure among the three groups（P<0.05）. Conclusion:Vocal fold movement characteristics of patients with laryngeal neurogenic injury were mainly vocal fold fixation, or normal or weakened vocal fold movement. There may be missed diagnosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis in clinical practice. In half of the patients with superior laryngeal nerve palsy, vocal fold movement is characterized by vocal fold fixation.

Impact of BMI on Dyspnea and Need for Surgical Intervention in Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) and posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) are causes of bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) and may cause shortness of breath, stridor, and need for surgical intervention. Although increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with restrictive breathing patterns in patients with normal upper airways, it is unclear how BMI impacts dyspnea and need for surgical intervention in BVFI patients. Retrospective cohort study. Three tertiary academic centers in the United States. Demographics, BMI, Dyspnea Index (DI), etiology, presence of tracheostomy and surgical intervention (dilation, tracheostomy, cordotomy, arytenoidectomy, open reconstruction) were collected. Primary outcomes included dyspnea measured by DI and need for surgery to improve airway. Linear regressions were performed to assess continuous outcomes. Mann-Whitney U-test was utilized to assess categorical outcomes. Among 121 patients, 52 presented with BVFP and 69 with PGS. Previous neck surgery was the most common cause of BVFI (40.2%). 44.3% of patients received a tracheostomy. Through multivariate linear regression, increased BMI was significantly associated with increased DI in the entire cohort (β = .43, P = .016). Increased BMI was also associated with need for any surgical intervention (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.01-1.13]) in the overall cohort. When stratifying our data, BMI was only significantly associated with DI in BVFP (β = .496) and need for surgical intervention in PGS (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = [1.01-1.21]), although a positive trend was seen in all analyses. Increased BMI may correlate with worsening dyspnea symptoms and need for surgical intervention in patients with BVFI. Weight-loss-related counseling may benefit symptom management.

Evaluating the Potential of AI Chatbots in Treatment Decision-making for Acquired Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in Adults

ObjectivesThe development of artificial intelligence-powered language models, such as Chatbot Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) or Large Language Model Meta AI (Llama), is emerging in medicine. Patients and practitioners have full access to chatbots that may provide medical information. The aim of this study was to explore the performance and accuracy of ChatGPT and Llama in treatment decision making for bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). MethodsData of twenty clinical cases, treated between 2018-2023, were retrospectively collected from four tertiary laryngology centres in Europe. The cases were defined as the most common or most challenging scenarios regarding BVFP treatment. The treatment proposals were discussed in their local multidisciplinary teams (MDT). Each case was presented to ChatGPT-4.0 and Llama Chat-2.0, and potential treatment strategies were requested. The Artificial Intelligence Performance Instrument (AIPI) treatment sub score was used to compare both Chatbots’ performances to MDT treatment proposal. ResultsMost common aetiology of BVFP was thyroid surgery. A form of partial arytenoidectomy with or without posterior transverse cordotomy was the MDT proposal for most cases. The accuracy of both Chatbots was very low regarding their treatment proposals, with a maximum AIPI treatment score in 5% of the cases. In most cases even harmful assertions were made, including the suggestion of vocal fold medialisation to treat patients with stridor and dyspnoea. ChatGPT-4.0 performed significantly better in suggesting the correct treatment as part of the treatment proposal (50%) compared to Llama Chat-2.0 (15%). ConclusionChatGPT and Llama are judged as inaccurate in proposing correct treatment for BVFP. ChatGPT significantly outperformed Llama. Treatment decision-making for a complex condition such as BVFP is clearly beyond the Chatbot’s knowledge expertise. This study highlights the complexity and heterogeneity of BVFP treatment, and the need for further guidelines dedicated to the management of BVFP.

Management of Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: A State-of-the-Art Review of Etiologies, Diagnosis, and Treatments.

This paper reviews the current literature about epidemiology, etiologies, diagnosis, and management of pediatric bilateral vocal fold paralysis (PBVFP). According to PRISMA statements, a narrative review of the current literature was conducted through the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases about the epidemiology, etiologies, diagnosis, and management of PBVFP. PBVCP is the second most common congenital laryngeal anomaly in the pediatric population, accounting for 10% to 20% of pediatric laryngeal conditions. PBVCP is related to idiopathic (42.2%), congenital (19.7%), and neurological (16.9%) conditions. A tracheotomy is required in 60% of cases regarding stridor and dyspnea, which are the most prevalent symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the etiological features, clinical presentation, laryngoscopic findings, and objective examinations. Laryngeal electromyography may be used to support the diagnosis in difficult cases, but its reliability depends on the practitioner's experience. The primary differential diagnosis is posterior glottis stenosis, which needs to be excluded regarding therapeutic and management differences with PBVCP. Transient surgical procedures consist of tracheotomy or laterofixation of the vocal fold. Current permanent procedures include uni- or bilateral partial arytenoidectomy, posterior transverse cordotomy, cricoid splits, and laryngeal selective reinnervation. There is no evidence of the superiority of some procedures over others. PBVCP is the second most common laryngeal disorder in the pediatric population. Diagnosis is based on etiological and clinical findings and may require the use of laryngeal electromyography. Therapeutic management may involve several transient or permanent surgical procedures that are associated with overall subjective improvements in symptoms, laryngeal findings, and low complication rates.

Endoscopic assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis using radiofrequency versus coblation

PurposeTo assess the outcomes of endoscopic assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis (BAVFP) using radiofrequency versus coblation.MethodsThis was a randomized prospective cohort study that carried out on 40 patients with BAVFP who were subjected to endoscopic/assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group (A) patients were operated with radiofrequency, and group (B) patients were operated with coblation. Glottic chink, grade of dyspnea, voice handicap index 10 (VHI10), and aspiration were evaluated pre-operatively and 2 weeks and 3 months post-operatively.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the glottic chink and VHI10 scores postoperatively with a non-significant difference between both groups regarding the degree of improvement. In addition, there was a significant improvement of the grade of dyspnea with a non-significant impact on the degree of aspiration in both groups post operatively. There was a lower incidence of oedema and granulation formation in the coblation group but without a statistical significance.ConclusionBoth techniques are effective alternatives for performing posterior transverse cordotomy in cases of BAVFP.

Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis, Injury of External Branch of Superior Laryngeal Nerve after Thyroid Surgery

Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis, Injury of External Branch of Superior Laryngeal Nerve after Thyroid Surgery

Systematic review and meta-analysis of laryngeal reinnervation techniques in adults with unilateral and bilateral vocal fold palsies.

To evaluate the outcomes of reinnervation techniques for the treatment of adult unilateral vocal fold paralysis and bilateral vocal fold paralysis. A literature review was conducted in the Embase and Medline databases in English, with no limitations on the publication date. The outcome parameters of interest included visual, subjective perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic analysis and electromyography. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model and inverse variance was calculated. The systematic Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach resulted in 27 studies, totalling 803 patients (747 unilateral cases and 56 bilateral cases). Thyroid cancer and/or surgery had caused unilateral vocal fold paralysis in 74.8 per cent of cases and bilateral vocal fold paralysis in 69.6 per cent of cases. Statistically significant improvements in patients were observed for voice, deglutition and decannulation (bilateral vocal fold paralysis). Meta-analysis of 10 reinnervation techniques was calculated for the maximum phonation time of 184 patients. Reinnervation was shown to improve voice, swallowing and decannulation, but studies lacked control groups, limiting generalisability. Larger studies with controls are needed.

Endoscopic posterior ventricular cordectomy with contact diode laser: how I do it

BackgroundThe treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis is mainly surgical and several procedures can be used to guarantee adequate breathing. Furthermore, other causes of the narrowing of the natural airways could coexist and the treatment should consider all of them.MethodsA supraglottic extension of posterior cordectomy to the false homolateral chord is described, which provides a further widening of the airway while maintaining acceptable voice quality.ConclusionEndoscopic posterior ventricular cordectomy performed by contact diode laser may be a viable and safe option, especially in those patients who present bilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with various degrees of laryngospasm.

Enhanced Abductor Function in Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis with Muscle Stem Cells.

Patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) experience airway obstruction because of loss of abductor function of posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscles. We previously reported that implantation of autologous muscle progenitor (stem) cells into thyroarytenoid muscles during reinnervation resulted in improved adductor function. In this study, that same approach was applied to treating PCA muscles in a canine model of BVFP. Animal study. Two canines underwent baseline measures of glottal resistance (GR), then complete transection and suture repair of both recurrent laryngeal nerves. Muscle stem cells were isolated from skeletal muscle and cultured. Two months later, GR was measured, and then 107 stem cells were implanted into one PCA muscle of each animal. After four more months, GR and glottal opening force (GOF) were measured and the muscles were harvested for histologic study. One control dog underwent the same procedures without stem cell implantation, for comparison. GR increased by 21%-25% over baseline at 2 months, but after stem cell implantation, improved to 10%-14% over baseline at 6 months. PCA muscle strength, as determined by GOF, was 61%-65% on control sides (no stem cells), and 78%-83% on treated sides (with stem cells). Histology confirmed survival of stem cells and a 50% higher rate of innervation of motor endplates in the stem cell treated sides. Autologous muscle progenitor (stem) cells show promise as a potential new therapy for patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal number of cells, timing of implantation, and other variables before launching a clinical trial. NA (animal study) Laryngoscope, 134:324-328, 2024.

Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in a Patient With Congenital MYOD1 Myopathy.

Congenital bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) is a rare but significant cause of morbidity in pediatric otolaryngology. The differential diagnosis is expansive, with common etiologies including birth trauma, brainstem neoplasms, and neurologic disorders. There are few known genetic causes of the condition. This report details the first known case of BVFP secondary to a genetic deficiency in MYOD1, a master transcriptional regulator of skeletal muscle cell specification. Genetics consultation and testing may be a useful adjunct in the workup of congenital BVFP and may help guide prognostication, additional workup, counseling, and clinical decision-making.

A human ITPR3 variant causes a dominant negative attenuation of calcium responses with immunodeficiency and growth delay confirmed in a mouse model

The inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate receptors (ITPRs) regulate intracellular calcium stores following diverse receptor-ligand interactions. Three iso-forms, ITPR1, ITPR2 and IPTR3 form homo- or hetero- tetramers in the ER that regulate calcium levels. Mutations in ITPR3 cause Charcot Marie Tooth disease. Two unrelated children who presented with immunodeficiency have the same de novo ITPR3 mutation. The ITPR3 variant (c.7570C>T) results in a single amino acid substitution (p.Arg2524Cys) within the calcium pore that is predicted to disrupt calcium release. Patient 1 is a 5 year old African-American female who had abnormal newborn screens for SCID. She has T cell deficiency, a predominance of memory T cells, and depressed B cells. Mitogen responses were low. She is small in stature, has conical deciduous teeth, anhidrosis, gait abnormalities and bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) demonstrated sensorimotor polyneuropathy most prominent in lower extremities. Patient 2 is a 12 year old boy born to parents of Pakistani descent with a very similar clinical presentation as Patient 1.The ITPR3 mutation was genocopied in mice using CRISPR/Cas technologies. The Itpr3Wt/R2524C mice are significantly smaller than littermate controls with severe B cell immunodeficiency, reduced peripheral T cell numbers and impaired antigen-receptor induced calcium responses. The full details of the immune cell defects as well as eccrine and peripheral neuronal cell functions will be presented. Importantly, the data indicate that the single allelic Itpr3 mutation acts as a dominant negative, suggesting that the targeting of this gene will enable the two related Itpr family members to improve immune, neuronal and endocrine functions in the patients.

Transoral CO2 laser-modified posterior cordotomy combined with plasma ablation subtotal arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis: A retrospective study.

To investigate the effect of transoral CO2 laser-modified posterior cordotomy combined with plasma ablation subtotal arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). A retrospective study with medical records from 2017 to 2021 in our hospital. A single-centre study. This retrospective study included 22 patients with BVFP. They underwent transoral CO2 laser-modified posterior cordotomy combined with plasma ablation subtotal arytenoidectomy in our hospital from 2017 to 2021. Preoperative and postoperative swallowing and phonation functions were evaluated in all patients. All 22 patients with a tracheostomy were successfully decannulated within 6 months after surgery without subsequent revision operations, and the width of the posterior glottis was more than 3.9 mm in all patients when they inspired. The statistical analysis showed that there was no difference in vocal function and swallowing function in all patients compared to preoperative (p > .05). Transoral CO2 laser-modified posterior cordotomy combined with plasma ablation subtotal arytenoidectomy enlarges the posterior glottis in patients with BVFP, which maintains airway patency without significant worsening in voice and swallowing function.

Outcomes of endoscopic percutaneous suture lateralization for neonatal and infantal bilateral vocal ford paralysis.

Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis (BVFP) is a rare but significant resource of respiratory distress in neonates and infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and functional outcomes of Endoscopic Percutaneous Suture Lateralization (EPSL) for the treatment of BVFP in neonates and infants. A case series study of nine patients undergoing EPSL for BVFP between January 2019 and June 2021 was conducted. All patients were candidates for tracheostomy prior to EPSL. Demographic features including gender, age at diagnosis and surgery, main symptoms, airway comorbidities, airway support, and etiology were collected preoperatively. Patients were evaluated for breathing, swallowing and phonation postoperatively. Surgical success was defined as the ability to avoid tracheostomy. Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) was conducted to identify aspiration. Voice evaluation was based on clinical observation. Nine patients underwent ten EPSL procedures (one in the left vocal fold, and nine in the right vocal fold). Eight patients (8/9) were able to successfully avoid tracheostomy and feed orally without aspiration after the procedure. One patient experienced clinical improvement in respiratory support requirements and underwent laparoscopic nissen and gastrostomy tube placement. At the last follow-up, two patients regained normal voice, two patients had mild dysphonia, and five patients had moderate dysphonia. Five patients showed partial return of the contralateral vocal fold function. EPSL is an effective and safe treatment for neonatal and infantal BVFP, which enables patients free from tracheostomy without significant impact on swallowing function or phonation. Level 4.

Surgical Techniques for Glottal Airway Enlargement -Laterofixation of the Vocal Fold-

Glottal airway enlargement is required to manage dyspnea due to bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). The method of vocal fold laterofixation reported by Ejnell et al. is relativly non-invasive and has been considered the first choice in cases of BVFP in recent years. We used a video-laryngoscope to obtain a better endolaryngeal view and a GORE-TEX® Soft Tissue Patch as a spacer between the thyroid lamina and the nylon knot to prevent loosening. Laryngeal pacing is a more dynamic and physiologic treatment approach than static airway enlargement procedures, such as laterofixation of the vocal fold. Laryngeal pacing is the application of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the laryngeal abductor muscles. We evaluated the efficacy of FES in restoring glottal opening, ventilation, and exercise tolerance in a BVFP canine model. An implantable stimulator and deep brain stimulation electrodes were surgically implanted into both posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscles in the animal, and the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves were sectioned and repaired. Beyond three months postoperatively, there was passive airway narrowing and further closure of the glottis during hypercapnia. The animal showed severe stridor and could only walk for one to two minutes on a treadmill. With the stimulation-on condition, the glottal area increased considerably, equaling that of a normally innervated animal. Exercise tolerance also returned to normal. Bilateral PCA stimulation offers a physiologic approach to restore ventilation to a normal level in cases of BVFP.

성대 마비의 치료

Vocal fold paralysis can occur for various reasons, and vocal fold paralysis treatment is important to improve the quality of life and secure airway according to voice. There are several methods of unilateral and bilateral vocal fold paralysis; voice therapy, injection laryngoplasty, laryngeal framework surgery, reinnervation procedures, tracheostomy, arytenoidectomy, cordotomy, cordectomy, and laterofixation of vocal cord. This review paper aims to discuss the treatment principles of unilateral and bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Arytenoidectomy and Posterior Cordectomy with the Use of CFD Airflow Measurements in Patients with BVFP: A Retrospective Study.

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) is a rare larynx disease manifested by dyspnea, which often requires surgical treatment. The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of unilateral arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy in the treatment of BVFP using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. This study included 33 patients with BVFP who underwent unilateral laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy. Glottis area measurements and spirometry, as well as a self-assessment of respiratory efficiency were performed before the surgery and after the recovery period. Using the CFD method, computer models of the glottis were made. Then, changes in air pressure gradient and maximum air velocity at the level of glottis were calculated, and local fields of pressure and air velocities were obtained. The values of glottal surface area (S), spirometry parameters (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF)), inlet air velocity at the glottal level as well as patients self-assessment of respiratory efficiency turned out to be significantly higher after the operation. The values of maximum velocity at the glottal level, pressure gradient at the glottal level turned out to be significantly lower after the surgery. We observed that the greater the increase in glottal surface area, the greater the decrease in self-assessment scales (visual analogue scale (VAS) and Medical Research Council (MRC)). Increased levels of spirometry parameters after the surgery correlated with smaller decrease of PEF-dependent pressure gradient at the glottal level (PEFΔP CFD). Unilateral laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy is an effective method for the treatment of BVFP. CFD is a useful tool to determine and visualize the effectiveness of surgical treatment in BVFP.

An Endoscopic Cap Electrode for Posterior Cricoarythenoid Muscle Stimulation in a Porcine Model.

Laryngeal pacing (LP) is a highly anticipated therapeutic option for patients suffering from bilateral vocal fold paralysis with synkinesis. Identification of candidate patients requires confirmation of a stimulable posterior cricoidarythenoid muscle (PCA) by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A silicone endoscopic cap electrode (ECE50) was designed to be operated as an endoscopic extension tip for selective PCA stimulation and confirmation of a glottic opening movement in a setting comparable to a gastroscopy procedure. A porcine animal model (n=6) was applied to develop and test endoscopic cap prototypes in general anesthesia and sedation at a biomedical research center. Two ENT endoscopy experts evaluated and refined the cap design and performance in regard to procedure safety, endoscope handling, accessibility of the PCA by the transoral approach and selective muscle stimulation. Vocal fold opening movements could be evoked by the investigators in 9 of 12 PCA muscles to stimulate with similar electric parameters. The endoscopic approach using the ECE50 proved to be atraumatic and sufficiently controlled under sedation to locate the required hotspot for NMES of the PCA. The functionality of the novel endoscopic cap concept has been proven in a porcine model. It can be expected to be transferable to human application and to be of diagnostic importance in the screening and identification of LP candidate patients in future. NA Laryngoscope, 133:2279-2284, 2023.

Etiology and Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: a Retrospective Cohort Study

<h2>Summary</h2><h3>Objectives</h3> Bilateral vocal fold immobility can occur secondary to bilateral nerve injuries, resulting in paralysis of both vocal folds, known as bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). BVFP can cause airway obstruction and is associated with significant morbidity. Treatment options include tracheotomy, cordotomy, and arytenoidectomy, which are designed to increase the caliber of the upper airway. In the largest BVFP study to date, we set out to review cases of BVFP to better understand the etiologies of paralysis and subsequent surgical interventions. <h3>Methods/Study Design</h3> A retrospective review of patients with BVFP over a 17-year period within a single institution was performed. For each patient included in the study, the etiology of paralysis, simultaneous vs sequential onset of paralysis, subsequent surgeries, and spontaneous recovery were reviewed. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether patient factors predicted tracheotomy or recovery of vocal fold motion. <h3>Results</h3> 86 patients with BVFP followed for greater than 180 days were included in this retrospective cohort study. The majority of patients (84.9%) did not recover any vocal fold motion, while 13 patients (15.1%) recovered motion in at least one vocal fold. Iatrogenic injury was the most common etiology of paralysis. Sixty-seven patients (77.9%) underwent a tracheotomy placement, the most commonly performed procedure. Age, gender, or paralysis progression did not predict whether patients underwent tracheotomy or experienced spontaneous vocal fold motion recovery. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The most common etiology of BVFP was iatrogenic injury during thyroid surgery. A greater number of patients developed simultaneous paralysis of both vocal folds compared to sequential unilateral paralysis. Tracheotomy was the most commonly performed surgery, and the minority of patients were successfully decannulated. This study helps define the etiologies and treatments of patients with BVFP to better describe the patient-related morbidity associated with this condition.

Endoscopic management of vocal fold paralysis

Vocal fold paralysis is a challenging disorder to manage in the pediatric population. While many cases may be managed expectantly, patients with problematic dysphonia, aspiration, or dyspnea may require surgical intervention. Tracheostomy was performed in nearly all patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis and some patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis in the past. However, with modern endoscopic and open procedures for vocal fold paralysis, current tracheostomy rates have decreased to 4%-69%. Endoscopic interventions are particularly advantageous in children given high rates of eventual recovery. The perioperative considerations, indications, and techniques for various endoscopic interventions for unilateral and bilateral vocal fold paralysis will be discussed here.