Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation Research Articles

Training for Awake, Office-Based Laryngeal Procedures-The Laryngology Fellow's Perspective.

The aim was to explore recent laryngology graduates' perspectives on their experience, competency, and challenges learning office-based procedures during fellowship training in the United States and Canada. Anonymous 22-item questionnaire survey was distributed electronically to fellowship-trained laryngologists having completed fellowship within past 5 years. Ninety fellowship-trained laryngologists between 2018 and 2022 were surveyed. Response rate was 48.9% (n = 44), 1 declined participation, with 20 different fellowship programs represented. Fellows were frequently provided the opportunity to act as primary surgeon for most procedures, except for laryngeal botulinum toxin injection, diagnostic laryngeal electromyography, trans-nasal esophagoscopy, secondary tracheoesophageal puncture, and high-resolution pharyngeal manometry. A majority reported high (n = 27, 62.8%) or moderate (n = 12, 27.9%) confidence with vocal fold injection augmentation. Various techniques were taught: transoral (74.4%), cricothyroid (74.4%), thyrohyoid (69.8%), transcartilagenous (14.0%), and catheter-needle (25.6%). Numerous statistically significant associations with independent procedure involvement and competence were identified. Laryngeal botulinum toxin injection was a procedure performed with high frequency but low volume of independent fellow involvement, and the procedure with which fellows reported wanting more practice learning. Most common training barriers included patient being awake, patient consenting to trainee performing the procedure, and the technical challenge/complexity of the procedure. Teaching methods/tools largely focused on informal debriefing (97.3%) and case by case troubleshooting (81.1%). Laryngology fellows are well trained with favorable perceived levels of competence for numerous office-based procedures, particularly vocal fold injection augmentation. Procedures for which fellows reported a low level of independent participation trended towards lower perceived competency. 5 Laryngoscope, 134:873-881, 2024.

Evaluation and Management of Inflammatory Reactions to Vocal Fold Injection Laryngoplasty with Hyaluronic Acid

Inflammatory reaction to vocal fold injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid (HA) is a rare condition whose optimal management is not established. In this study, we aim to review the presentation of these reactions and outline an approach for evaluation and management. We performed a retrospective review of all patients at our institution who underwent vocal fold injection augmentation with HA during the period extending from August 2018 until October 2022. We then identified patients with postinjection inflammatory reaction and reviewed demographic data, indication for injection, amount of HA injected, setting of procedure, and symptoms. The types of complication, management plan, onset, and time to complete resolution were also recorded. A comprehensive literature search for similar complications was conducted for comparative analysis. Once the available data were aggregated with our institutional experience, we developed an algorithmic approach to manage this condition. We identified 83 patients (124 vocal folds) who underwent vocal fold injection laryngoplasty with HA over a 4-year period. Four patients (4.8%) had a postprocedure inflammatory reaction (5.6% of all vocal folds). Of the four patients, three presented with dyspnea and stridor, while one presented with dysphonia, with onset of symptoms ranging from 24 to 48hour postinjection. All patients were treated with corticosteroids. For comparative analysis, we identified 24 patients from the literature with reported inflammatory reactions to HA. We suggest an algorithmic approach to managing laryngeal inflammation following HA injection. Familiarity with treatment for this rare complication is essential to avoid significant morbidity and achieve optimal outcomes.

Variations in Practices and Preferences of Vocal Fold Injection Materials: A National Survey.

Vocal fold injection augmentation (VFI) is a common procedure for the treatment of glottic insufficiency. Material options for VFI and decisions regarding material selection are not standardized and often based on clinician preference. This study aims to understand the variations in provider preference and utilization of injectable materials for VFI. A 40-question survey was sent to 158 academic laryngologists. Questions pertained to the type of injectable materials used including brand preferences and rationale for preferences. Ninety-seven of the 158 laryngologists contacted participated in the survey (61.4%). The most frequently used injectable materials were Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-based products. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-based products were preferred for trial augmentation (57.2%), HA-based products were preferred for acute/subacute vocal fold paralysis, presbyphonia, and sulcus/scar (54.2%, 61.5%, 44.7%, 41.7% respectively), and Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA)-based products were preferred for long-term paralysis (28.1%). CMC-based products were discontinued by 21.8% of participants, largely due to quick material resorption. 17.8% of participants discontinued HA-based products largely due to adverse events and 26.0% abandoned CaHA-based products mostly due to inflammatory properties causing vocal fold stiffness and material unpredictability. Over 30% of respondents reported wanting to reinitiate micronized alloderm Cymetra® as an available injectable. Our survey demonstrated that there are significant variations in practice and preferences in regard to injectable material selection for VFI. As there is limited data on the direct material comparison, understanding the rationale behind these variations is crucial to guide new providers in material selection and provide information to patients undergoing these procedures. 5 Laryngoscope, 133:1176-1183, 2023.

Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation for Post-Airway Reconstruction Dysphonia: A Case Series.

Post airway reconstruction dysphonia (PARD) is common and has a significant effect on the quality of life of patients. Vocal fold injection augmentation (VFIA) is one treatment that can be used to improve glottic insufficiency in some patients. The goal of this study was to characterize the use and outcomes of VFIA for PARD. Retrospective chart review from January 2007 to July 2018 at a tertiary pediatric care center. Consecutive patients with PARD who underwent VFIA, who had a preoperative voice evaluation and a follow-up evaluation within 3 months after VFIA (fat, carboxymethylcellulose gel, hyaluronic acid). Thirty-four patients (20 female) underwent VFIA. The mean age at the time of the injection was 13.6 years (SD 6.1). Twenty patients (58.8%) had a history of prematurity and a mean of 1.8 open airway surgeries. After injection, 29/34 patients (85.3%) noted a subjective voice improvement. The baseline Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) overall severity score decreased by a mean of 5.7 (SD = 19.6) points, P = .12. Total pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) improved by 6.0 (SD = 19.5) points, from 57.4 (SD = 20.0) to 51.4 (SD = 17.2), P = .09. Functional pVHI subscore demonstrated a significant improvement, with a decrease of 3.4 (SD = 7.3) points, P = .02. All procedures were performed as an overnight observation and no complication occurred. Patients with PARD represent a complex subset of patients. VFIA is a straightforward intervention that may improve voice perception. Many patients reported subjective improvement despite minimal objective measurement. Further work is warranted to elucidate the role of injection in management of PARD.

Inflammatory complications of vocal fold injection with hyaluronic acid: a multiinstitutional study

Background/aimThis study aimed to assess the inflammatory adverse reactions of vocal fold injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid.Materials and methods This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent vocal fold injection augmentation with HA injection from January 2005 to September 2016 in nine different institutions. Demographic data, indication for injection, injection techniques, types of injection material, settings of procedure, and complications were reviewed. The types of complication, onset time, and management of complications were also noted.ResultsIn all, 467 patients were identified. The majority of patients had been injected under general anesthesia (n = 382, 84.7%). For injection material, two different types of hyaluronic acid were used: hyaluronic acid alone or hyaluronic acid with dextranomer. Complications occurred in nine patients (1.9%). The majority of complications were inflammatory reactions (n = 7, 1.47%). Main symptoms were dysphonia and/or dyspnea with an onset of 0 h to 3 weeks after the hyaluronic acid injection. Three patients were hospitalized, one of which was also intubated and observed in the intensive care unit for 24 h. Systemic steroids and antibiotics were the main medical treatment in the majority of cases. There was no statistical difference in complication rates between patients who received hyaluronic acid and those who received hyaluronic acid with dextranomer (P = 0.220). ConclusionHyaluronic acid can be considered as a safe substance for the injection of vocal folds with a low risk of inflammatory reaction.

A Very Rare Complication of Vocal Fold Augmentation With Calcium Hydroxylapatite: Neck Abscess

Vocal fold injection augmentation is performed routinely for the treatment of glottic insufficiency especially due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis. There are numerous materials that are used for injection laryngoplasty, calcium hydroxylapatite being one of them. We present an interesting case of a 64-year-old male patient with metastatic acinic cell carcinoma of the right parotid gland, who underwent right vocal cord injection laryngoplasty with calcium hydroxylapatite for right vocal cord paralysis with glottal insufficiency and developed a neck abscess. This is the first report in the literature of neck abscess following vocal fold injection laryngoplasty using calcium hydroxylapatite. It seems that over injection of the vocal fold gave rise to extravasation of the injected material outside the laryngeal framework which later became a nidus for infection. We present the first case in the literature of neck abscess following vocal fold injection laryngoplasty using calcium hydroxylapatite. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but dangerous complication.

The Use of Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation in a Transmasculine Patient Unsatisfied With Voice Following Testosterone Therapy and Voice Training

There exist a cohort of transmasculine patients who remain dissatisfied with vocal function following testosterone therapy and voice training. The objective of this case report was to describe the use of injection laryngoplasty in this cohort as an alternative to laryngeal framework surgery. A case report and literature review was undertaken. Our case describes a 45-year-old transmasculine patient who remained unsatisfied with vocal pitch despite testosterone therapy and voice training. On initial presentation, the patient had fundamental frequency (fo) ranging from 70-344 Hz with a mean of approximately 135 Hz on reading, and 146 Hz in monologue. Injection augmentation of the vocal folds under local anesthesia with an injectable carboxymethylcellulose gel (prolaryn) was trialed. Following re-absorption of this, further injection was performed using autologous fat and subsequently a longer acting Calcium Hydroxyapatite injectable (Prolaryn Plus). This was followed by re-injection 1 year later. Patient satisfaction has been sustained throughout this period. Repeat acoustic evaluation in 2019 revealed a mean fo of 108 Hz on reading, 100 Hz in monologue, and a fo range of 85-134 Hz across these tasks. This case report presents an alternative surgical intervention to supplement testosterone and voice training in transmasculine patients unsatisfied with vocal function.

Injection Laryngoplasty for Management of Neurological Vocal Fold Immobility.

Injection laryngoplasty as used in this chapter is synonymous with the term "injection augmentation." Injection augmentation is a technique designed to enhance glottic closure in patients with glottic insufficiency, or failure of glottic closure, by injecting material into the lateral aspect of the vocal fold to move the vibrating surface to the midline. This type of injection augments the vocal fold and improves glottic closure. Injection augmentation originated over 100 years ago. However, the current indications, techniques, and materials have changed significantly. Paralysis, defined as loss of function due to neu-rological injury, remains a common cause of glottic insufficiency. In cases of paralysis, nerve function to adduct the vocal folds for voice production and coughing is interrupted, bilaterally or unilaterally, and the glottis becomes insufficient. While unilateral vocal fold paralysis remains the most common indication for vocal fold injection augmentation, due to the development of newer injectable materials and less invasive injectable techniques, surgeons routinely perform injection augmentation for glottic insufficiency due to other causes such as vocal fold paresis, vocal fold atrophy, presbylarynx, vocal fold scar, and soft tissue loss. Additionally, there is an increasing performance of vocal fold injection in the awake patient. This allows for immediate feedback and reduced anesthetic risk. Outcomes assessment for injection augmentation remains varied by lack of consensus and large-scale studies to identify the factors most instrumental in documenting optimal results. We review the history of injection laryngoplasty, the indications for injection, choice of injectate, outcomes, complications, and future directions of injection laryngoplasty for augmentation.

Role of Peri- and Postoperative Antibiotics in Microscopic Laryngeal Surgery

There are no widely accepted guidelines for the use of peri- and postoperative antibiotics for microdirect laryngoscopy (MDL) to prevent postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). This study examines the incidence of not only SSI, but also respiratory and oropharyngeal infections among patients who underwent MDL. Retrospective cohort. Medical records from a quaternary laryngology practice were reviewed retrospectively for patients who underwent MDL between October 2015 and December 2018. Adults who underwent MDL with excision of nonmalignant masses, vocal fold (VF) reconstruction with buccal graft, superficial VF injection, VF injection augmentation, use of carbon dioxide (CO2) or potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser, and laryngeal dilation were included. Subjects were divided into three groups based on the use of antibiotics during the peri- or postoperative period. Group 1 did not receive peri- or postoperative antibiotics. Group 2 received perioperative antibiotics without postoperative antibiotics. Group 3 received both peri- and postoperative antibiotics. Antibiotic use was determined by surgeon policy, which changed over time, not by patient risk factors. Other data collected include demographics, medical comorbidities, surgical procedure, operative time, American Society of Anesthesiology class, incidence of SSI, respiratory or oropharyngeal infection, and postoperative antibiotic and steroid prescriptions for complications. 190 surgeries met inclusion criteria. Groups 1, 2, and 3 consisted of 113, 57, and 20 subjects, respectively. No SSI were reported. Baseline characteristics of median age, American Society of Anesthesiology, wound class, and gender did not differ between groups. Groups were found to have differed in type of procedure performed, with a predominance of vocal fold excision and superficial injection in Group 1, injection laryngoplasty using autologous fat graft and laryngeal reconstruction in Group 3, and a combination of procedure types in Group 2. Laser treatment with CO2 and/or KTP was utilized in 35% of procedures. The mean operative times (total time in which the laryngoscope remained in the oral cavity) for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 29 (SD = 13), 42 (SD = 23), and 73 minutes (SD = 78), respectively; this was significantly different among the three groups (P < 0.0001). By logistic regression models, operative time was not significantly associated with the overall use of antibiotics (Χ2 = 1.81, P = 0.18) or corticosteroid (Χ2 = .05, P = .82) prescriptions during follow-up. In Groups 1, 2, and 3, 11%, 14%, and 10% of patients, respectively, required a follow-up antibiotic prescription for non-SSI and 11%, 12%, and 0% of patients, respectively, required a follow-up corticosteroid prescription within 30 days postoperatively. There was no significant difference in patients with diabetes or pulmonary comorbidity and patients without comorbidity in use of postoperative antibiotic (P = .45) or corticosteroid (P > .99) prescription. Within 30 days of follow-up, patients in Group 1 experienced VF hemorrhage (defined as any subepithelial blood in the area of excision) at an incidence of 19%. Complications within 30 days of follow-up showed an incidence of substantial pain ranging between 2%-4% and respiratory or oropharyngeal infection between 10%-12%. Two patients in Group 2 reported emergency department visits for dyspnea. One patient in Group 3 was admitted for tongue and floor of mouth swelling secondary to prolonged suspension. There were no incidents of SSI in this cohort. The need for follow-up antibiotic and/or corticosteroid prescription did not differ in relation to use or non-use of perioperative antibiotics, and neither did the incidence of respiratory or oropharyngeal infection. Longer operative time was associated with both peri- and postoperative antibiotic use, but there is no evidence yet that antibiotic use was necessary. These findings suggest that avoidance of routine perioperative and/or postoperative antibiotics may be appropriate; and further research should be encouraged.

A Study of Fat Tissue Used in Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation

A Study of Fat Tissue Used in Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation

Treatment of Patients with Vocal Fold Atrophy and Comorbid Essential Voice Tremor: Long-Term Injection Augmentation Outcomes After Successful Diagnostic Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation

Vocal fold injection augmentation (VFIA) is employed diagnostically for patients with subtle glottic insufficiency. Its use in patients with both vocal fold atrophy and benign essential voice tremor (EVT) has been reported but not after durable augmentation. This study intends to evaluate the success of durable VFIA using either autologous fat or calcium hydroxylapatite in patients with both vocal fold atrophy and comorbid EVT. Retrospective review. Subjects included demonstrated subtle glottic insufficiency from true vocal fold atrophy and comorbid EVT with no other vocal fold pathology. Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10), aerodynamic data including subglottic pressure and airflow, and the tremor scoring scale were evaluated before diagnostic VFIA with carboxymethylcellulose and after durable VFIA with calcium hydroxylapatite or autologous fat. Seven patients met inclusion criteria. Six subjects went on to durable VFIA. Three of six demonstrated meaningful improvement in the VHI-10 score. Subglottic pressure improved significantly in those subjects with meaningful VHI-10 improvement compared to those that did not. The tremor did not resolve completely in any subject, but patient satisfaction and function was improved in four of the six. VFIA for EVT in the setting of true vocal fold atrophy appears to offer benefit and may be an alternative treatment pathway for EVT patients. More than half of the subjects who underwent durable VFIA after successful diagnostic VFIA reported improvement in their communication despite inconsistent objective outcomes. Subglottic pressure improved significantly in half of the subjects who also reported a substantive improvement in their VHI-10.

Decreased intramuscular calcium hydroxyapatite implant resorption in a murine model of osteoporosis.

Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is a common material for vocal fold injection augmentation. Durability is variable, and factors involved in implant longevity are not understood. Animal models of osteoporosis show decreased bone density and increased mineral liberation, suggesting CaHA retention may be altered in these conditions. Prospective murine investigation. Fourteen skeletally mature, 10-month-old female Sprague-Dewley rats were treated by one of three interventions: oophorectomy, laparotomy without oophorectomy (sham), or monthly risedronate injection (90 μg/kg, subcutaneous). CaHA was implanted into the right lateral thigh muscle in all animals at the time of procedure or first risedronate injection. After 17 weeks, all rats were sacrificed, and the residual CaHA isolated from excised lateral thigh muscle through incubation in a 900 °C calcinator for 9 hours. Mean CaHA mass remaining in the oophorectomy group was 65.9 (standard deviation ± 16.1) mg, compared to 44.4 ± 10.0 mg CaHA in the risedronate group and 48.6 ± 7.5 mg in the sham group. One-way analysis of variance found a statistically significant difference between the oophorectomy and risedronate groups but not between the sham and other groups, F(2,11) = 4.404, P = 0.039. Persistent estrogen deficiency in a murine model of osteoporosis demonstrated decreased rate of CaHA resorption. This suggests that hormone alterations associated with osteoporosis may alter the longevity of CaHA implant resorption through an uncertain mechanism. NA. Laryngoscope, 2576-2580, 2018.

Injectable Silk Protein Microparticle-based Fillers: A Novel Material for Potential Use in Glottic Insufficiency

A novel, silk protein-based injectable filler was engineered with the intention of vocal fold augmentation as its eventual intended use. This injectable filler leverages the unique properties of silk protein's superior biocompatibility, mechanical tunability, and slow in vivo degradation to one day better serve the needs of otolaryngologists. This paper intends to demonstrate the mechanical properties of the proposed novel injectable and to evaluate its longevity in animal models. Experimental. The mechanical properties of silk bulking agents were determined to characterize deformation resistance and recovery compared with commercially available calcium hydroxylapatite through rheologic testing. Fresh porcine vocal fold tissue was used for injectable placement to simulate the mechanical outcomes of native tissue after bulking procedures. In vivo subcutaneous rodent implantation examined immune response, particle migration, and volume retention. Porous, elastomeric silk microparticles demonstrate high recovery (>90% original volume) from compressive strain and mimic the native storage modulus of soft tissues (1-3 kPa). Injectable silk causes only a slight increase in porcine vocal fold stiffness immediately after injection (20%), preserving the native mechanics of bulked tissue. In the subcutaneous rat model, silk demonstrated biocompatibility and slow degradation, thus enabling host cell integration and tissue deposition. The presented novel silk injectable material demonstrates favorable qualities for a vocal fold injection augmentation material. An in vivo long-term canine study is planned.

Perception and duration of pain after office-based vocal fold injection augmentation.

In-office laryngology procedures are important in the treatment of voice and swallowing disorders. Patient tolerance determines which procedures can be performed without sedation or formal anesthesia. This study examines pain perception during and after in-office vocal fold injection augmentation. Prospective cohort study. Patients scheduled for office-based vocal fold injection augmentation were prospectively enrolled at an academic voice center. The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire was administered before, during, and after the procedure and on postprocedure days 1, 3, and 7. Pre- and postprocedure vital signs were recorded and heart rate was continuously monitored. Telephone questionnaires were completed on postprocedure days 1 and 3. Forty-five patients consented to participate in our study (24 males, mean age 61 years). Most patients experienced mild to moderate pain with increasing heart rate during the procedure. Pain remained or increased 20 minutes after the procedure and improved but persisted for 1 day. Sensory and affective discomfort was endorsed by the majority. A minority of patients experienced bruising and changes in swallowing with diet modification for 3 days after the procedure. Sixteen percent had discomfort after 1 week. This is the first prospective study examining patient perception of pain during and after in-office injection augmentation using a validated scale and pain descriptors with extended follow-up. The results may offer guidance for patient counseling, consent, and treatment to improve tolerance and success. 4. Laryngoscope, 128:929-934, 2018.

Evaluation of a Shorter Follow-up Time to Capture Benefit of a Trial Vocal Fold Augmentation

Trial vocal fold injection (TVFI) is employed diagnostically for patients with subtle glottic insufficiency to explore potential for improvement. Clinical experience demonstrates the time to and length of peak benefit of the TVFI is variable. Previous studies collected data 4 weeks or more after TVFI. The aim of this study was to compare subjectively successful and unsuccessful TVFI patient groups. It is hypothesized that patients with subjectively reported success will also have significant improvements in Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), phase closure percentage, and aerodynamic measures 2 weeks after trial augmentation. Subjects with glottic insufficiency were included in this retrospective review if they underwent office-based, per-oral vocal fold injection augmentation specifically for trial purposes. Patients were divided into "successful" and "unsuccessful" groups based on their subjective experience during the 2-week post-TVFI period. VHI-10, subjective report, phase closure evaluation using frame-by-frame analysis, and aerodynamic data were collected pre- and 2 weeks post-TVFI. Of the subjects, 15 of 23 (65%) reported a successful subjective improvement of their symptom, whereas 8 (35%) were unsuccessful (only partial improvement or no improvement). The number of subjects with an improvement in VHI-10 by 5 or more points was not significantly different between groups. The number of subjects that demonstrated complete, long phase closure was significantly higher in the successful group (P = 0.021). The understanding of how to more precisely determine the success of TVFI remains incomplete. Subjective improvement of successful TVFI was captured with basic clinical questioning, yet the VHI-10 was unable to confidently demonstrate this reported success 2 weeks after TVFI.

Using Trial Vocal Fold Injection to Select Vocal Fold Scar Patients Who May Benefit From More Durable Augmentation.

Clinical indications for vocal fold injection augmentation (VFI) are expanding. Prior studies demonstrate the benefit of trial VFI for select causes of glottic insufficiency. No studies have examined trial VFI for glottic insufficiency resulting from true vocal fold (TVF) scar. Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent trial VFI for a dominant pathology of TVF scar causing dysphonia. Patients who subsequently underwent durable augmentation were identified. The primary study outcome was the difference in Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) score from pretrial VFI to post-durable augmentation. Twenty-eight patients underwent trial VFI for TVF scar, 22 of whom reported a positive response. Fifteen of 22 subjects who underwent durable augmentation had viable data for analysis. Mean VHI-10 improved from 26.9 to 18.6 ( P < .05), for a delta VHI-10 of 8.3, or 30.9% improvement. Twelve of the 15 (80%) showed a clinically significant improvement (delta VHI-10 >5). A trial VFI is a potentially useful, low-risk procedure that appears to help the patient and clinician identify when global augmentation might improve the voice when vocal fold scar is present. Patients who reported successful trial VFI often demonstrated significant improvement in their VHI-10 after subsequent durable augmentation.

The effect of vocal fold augmentation on cough symptoms in the presence of glottic insufficiency.

To determine the effect of injection augmentation of the vocal folds on chronic cough symptoms in patients with glottic insufficiency. Medical records from 146 consecutive patients who underwent vocal fold injection augmentation by a fellowship-trained laryngologist between 2013 and 2015 were reviewed. Twenty-three patients (12 male) met inclusion criteria of a vocal fold augmentation injection, cough symptoms lasting more than 8 weeks, and glottic insufficiency as determined by shortened closed phase on stroboscopy. Exclusion criteria included lack of cough complaints, diagnosis of vocal fold immobility, previous history of vocal fold augmentation, and incomplete data sets. Data collected included age, gender, pre- and 1-month postinjection Cough Severity Index (CSI) scores, location of injection (unilateral or bilateral), and patient statement of percent change in symptoms that was recorded at 1-month postinjection visit. Paired t test indicated a significant decrease in CSI scores from pre- (m = 18.5) to 1-month postinjection (m = 12.1) (P = 0.004). Eighteen patients (78.2%) reported a 50% or greater improvement in cough symptoms at the 1-month postinjection visit. Injection augmentation of the vocal folds in the presence of glottic insufficiency appears to improve cough symptoms, as was reported by CSI in patients who are refractory to other medical and behavioral treatments. 4. Laryngoscope, 128:1316-1319, 2018.

Medialization Laryngoplasty After Injection Augmentation

This study aims to assess the effect of vocal fold injection augmentation (IA) on subsequent medialization laryngoplasty (ML). A retrospective cohort study with follow-up telephone survey was carried out. Clinical records of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis or paresis (VFP) who underwent ML between April 2006 and March 2015 were reviewed. Patients who underwent IA before ML were compared with patients who did not, with respect to demographic information, symptoms, Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), etiology of VFP, and revision rate. Among patients undergoing IA, the effects of injection material and of interval from IA to ML on revision rate were assessed. Follow-up telephone surveys were conducted to evaluate long-term outcomes using VHI-10 and a condition-specific questionnaire. One hundred thirty-five patients (70 male:65 female) with vocal fold paralysis (125) or paresis (10) underwent ML (96 left:39 right). Sixty-six (48.9%) patients underwent concurrent arytenoid adduction. Fourteen (10.4%) patients required revision. Fifty-six (41.5%) patients had prior IA; five (8.9%) patients underwent revision. Seventy-nine (58.5%) patients did not have IA; nine (11.4%) patients required revision (P = 0.78). Neither augmentation material nor length of interval between last IA and ML affected the revision rate (P = 1.00; P ≥ 0.11 for all tested intervals, respectively). No difference in follow-up VHI-10 score was found between patients who had IA before ML and patients who had not (P = 0.73). IA does not appear to affect the revision rate or long-term outcome of subsequent ML.

Inflammatory reaction to hyaluronic acid: A newly described complication in vocal fold augmentation

To establish the rate of inflammatory reaction to hyaluronic acid (HA) in vocal fold injection augmentation, determine the most common presenting signs and symptoms, and propose an etiology. Retrospective chart review. Patients injected with HA over a 5-year period were reviewed to identify those who had a postoperative inflammatory reaction. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographic information, subjective complaints, Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores, medical intervention, and resolution time. Videolaryngostroboscopy examinations were also evaluated. A total of 186 patients (245 vocal folds) were injected with HA over a 5-year period, with a postoperative inflammatory reaction rate of 3.8%. The most common complaints in these patients were odynophagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea with vocal fold erythema, edema, and loss of pliability on videolaryngostroboscopy. All patients were treated with corticosteroids. Return of vocal fold vibration ranged from 3 weeks to 26 months, with VHI-10 scores normalizing in 50% of patients. This reaction may be a form of hypersensitivity related to small amounts of protein linked to HA. Alternatively, extravascular compression from the HA could lead to venous congestion of the vocal fold. The possibility of equipment contamination is also being investigated. Further studies are needed to determine the etiology and best treatment. 4 Laryngoscope, 2016 127:445-449, 2017.

Outpatient-based injection laryngoplasty for the management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis - clinical outcomes from a UK centre.

To assess voice outcomes in patients undergoing vocal fold injection (VFI) augmentation laryngoplasty in a clinic-based setting. A prospective study of patients with unilateral vocal cord palsy undergoing Radiesse(®) vocal cord augmentation. We used the ten-item voice handicap index (VHI-10) as a postal survey before and after the intervention. A total of 43 patients were referred to our ENT clinic from June 2011 to October 2014 with unilateral vocal cord palsy. The majority were referred from the oncology department with mediastinal tumours. Fifteen patients died of malignant disease. Twenty-one patients responded to our survey. VHI-10 scores were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (anova), and the results suggest a sustained improvement before and after the intervention (pre-injection versus 3 months post-injection P < 0.01; pre-injection versus 6 months post-injection P < 0.033). This is the largest case series of patients who had a local anaesthetic vocal cord injection with calcium hydroxylapaptite using the trans-thyrohyoid approach. Early data would suggest that the results are similar to injections performed under general anaesthesia when performed by an experienced laryngologist. VFI in a clinic-based (awake) setting has the distinct advantage of providing instant feedback of vocal fold closure and voice outcome during the procedure, avoiding general anaesthesia with its inherent risks and cost and also the limitations of difficult exposure.