title: Laser tenotomy and vocal process resection for bilateral midline vocal fold fixation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The present retrospective study presents the outcomes of a group of 21 patients with laryngeal obstruction caused by bilateral vocal fold fixation. All of these patients were treated by laser assisted muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection - a modification of the technique described by Michael and Eugene Rontal in 1994.1
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 1997 and March 2002 the senior author performed muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection for bilateral vocal fold fixation on 21 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean follow-up time was 2.3 years. The technique was successful in achieving an adequate airway and good voice with no aspiration in every case.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser assisted muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection is a proven treatment for bilateral medial vocal fold fixation with the provision of a good airway, good voice and the avoidance of aspiration.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Voice Clinic, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. thavas@ozemail.com.au
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Havas
authors.forename: K Jocelyn
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Priestley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001193:Arytenoid Cartilage / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*