Bilateral Abductor Vocal Fold Paralysis; Outcomes of Surgical Management in Adult Yemeni Patients

Year 2024, , 51 - 54, 10.06.2024

Ali Muthanna Nasser Alozaib

https://doi.org/10.26650/Tr-ENT.2024.1414954

Abstract

Objective: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis is characterised by complete or partial immobilisation of the vocal folds, resulting in narrowing of the airway at the glottic level and breathing difficulty. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatments for bilateral vocal cord paralysis, focussing on airway patency, voice quality, and associated complications.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 25 female patients, aged 20–50 years, who presented to our department between June 2016 and May 2021 with a diagnosis of bilateral vocal cord paralysis. All patients underwent posterior cordotomy or partial arytenoidectomy.

Results: Following surgery, significant improvement was observed in breathing, and voice quality improved to an acceptable level over a 2-month period. The applied surgical procedures demonstrated satisfactory outcomes in terms of breathing and voice functions.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that posterior cordotomy and partial arytenoidectomy are effective surgical interventions for treating bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis. These procedures resulted in improved airway patency and acceptable voice quality, thereby providing satisfactory outcomes for patients.

Keywords

Posterior cordotomy, Bilateral vocal fold paralysis, Arytenoidectomy, Bilateral abductor palsy, outcomes, Yemen

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