Polydimethylsiloxane particles for permanent injection laryngoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) particles are a nonresorbable material that allows for permanent vocal fold augmentation. This study investigated morbidity and voice quality in patients treated for unilateral vocal fold paralysis by injection of PDMS particles.


METHODS
Fourteen patients who had neurogenic unilateral vocal fold paralysis of different causes were included in this prospective study. Each patient underwent videostroboscopic assessment before and after operation. Friedrich's dysphonia index (DI), a score system combining subjective and objective parameters, was used to describe voice quality. A DI of 0 reflects a normal voice, and a DI of 3 stands for complete aphonia. The PDMS particles were injected into the paraglottic space by microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia.


RESULTS
The median follow-up was 4.1 months. There was no complication attributable to the injection of PDMS particles. The mean DI was 2.8 before operation. After the operation, voice quality improved significantly in each patient, as reflected by a mean postinjection DI of 1.4.


CONCLUSIONS
Particles of PDMS provide a relatively safe and minimally invasive option for permanent vocal fold augmentation. The functional results in terms of voice improvement are comparable to those obtained with other techniques, including thyroplasty. In the European Community, PDMS particles are officially approved for use in the human larynx.
Sittel
Christian
C
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Echternach
Matthias
M
Federspil
Philipp A
PA
Plinkert
Peter K
PK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005931:Glottis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012828:Silicones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D049489:Stroboscopy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014743:Videotape Recording; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014833:Voice Quality
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D012828:Silicones; C013830:baysilon