An alternative surgical procedure for the treatment of vocal fold retention cyst.
OBJECTIVE
Enucleation is the standard surgical procedure for vocal fold retention cyst, but it is sometimes technically challenging when the cyst is large. A simple alternative procedure, which evolved from the concept of marsupialization of cystic lesions, is presented, and the treatment results are reported.


METHODS
Termed the "wide-opening method," this technique involves the removal of the medial half of the cyst with its overlying mucosa, which creates a large opening that prevents content retention. Twenty-one consecutive patients with a cyst with a diameter of greater than 2 mm were treated by this method. Videostroboscopy and voice function assessments were performed preoperatively and postoperatively.


RESULTS
The procedure was completed on all patients without difficulty. Voice function assessments showed statistically significant improvement postoperatively. Videostroboscopy showed improved vocal fold vibration postoperatively in all patients, although in 9 patients the postoperative wound with mild local stiffness was observable. Recurrence was noted in 1 patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The wide-opening method is simple in technique, especially when the cyst is large. Voice improvement can be achieved postoperatively, and the recurrence rate is low.
Chang
Hsin-Pin
HP
Department of Otolaryngology, National Yang Ming University, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan.
Chang
Shyue-Yih
SY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012008:Recurrence; D014741:Video Recording; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014831:Voice