Endoscopic laser-assisted posterior ventriculocordectomy without tracheostomy for bilateral vocal cord immobility.
BACKGROUND
Laryngeal obstruction due to bilateral vocal cord immobility in adduction may cause dyspnea, hoarseness and dysphagia and can lead to dependence on a tracheostomy. Treatment poses a challenge because of the opposing functions of the larynx and the risk of neck and laryngeal tissue damage.


OBJECTIVE
To describe our experience with endoscopic CO2-laser-assisted posterior ventriculocordectomy without tracheostomy for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord immobility in adduction.


METHODS
The study group consisted of five male and five female patients aged 17-81 years. The procedure was performed with an endoscope and operating microscope connected to a CO2 laser. A C-shaped incision was made, and the posterior third of one vocal cord, the vocal process of the arytenoid, and the posterior third of the false vocal cord were excised. Tracheostomy was not performed.


RESULTS
The technique allowed for a convenient approach to the difficult-to-view areas of the larynx. The procedure was short and bloodless, with minimal damage to laryngeal tissue and no local edema. Hospitalization time was short. Postoperatively, patients had sufficient breathing and mostly fair to good voice quality. None of the patients had severe aspirations and only three patients had mild aspirations.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend this procedure for patients with bilateral vocal cord immobility prior to tracheostomy. Delaying surgery beyond the time of possible re-innervation may place the patient at risk of decompensation, which requires tracheostomy.
Joshua
Benzion
B
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Feinmesser
Rafael
R
Zohar
Liza
L
Shvero
Jacob
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014139:Tracheostomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide