CO(2) laser posterior ventriculocordectomy for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis.
We reviewed our clinical experience between 1991 and 1997 concerning use of the CO(2) laser for posterior ventriculocordectomy (PVC) for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Pre- and postoperative functional evaluation was assessed in a prospective setting. In all, 41 patients (33 females and 8 males) underwent an endoscopic CO(2) laser PVC. Pre- and postoperative pulmonary function tests documented a significant statistical improvement in the parameters considered. Sixteen of 21 previously tracheostomized patients were decannulated within 15 months of operation. In no case was a postoperative tracheostomy required. We found no evidence of subclinical aspiration among our cases. Evaluation of vocal parameters by spectrographic analysis was assessed in 20 patients and revealed a postoperative reduction in voice quality. Laser CO(2) PVC seems to be an effective and reliable surgical procedure that allows for rapid decannulation and gives stable results with a low incidence of revision surgery and functional failures.
Pia
F
F
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
Pisani
P
P
Aluffi
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013018:Sound Spectrography / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000601:surgery*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000601:surgery*; D014833:Voice Quality
D002245:Carbon Dioxide