Bilateral medialization thyroplasty: an effective approach to severe, chronic aspiration.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the efficacy of bilateral medialization thyroplasty as a treatment for severe, chronic aspiration. To review the literature on surgical options available in the treatment of severe aspiration.


METHODS
Three cases that underwent bilateral medialization thyroplasty are described. The technique used was the standard medialization thyroplasty described by Isshiki as a unilateral procedure. The assessment and rehabilitation of these patients is discussed.


RESULTS
All patients stopped aspirating following surgery. One patient returned to a normal diet and one patient returned to a solid diet. All patients required a permanent tracheostomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Bilateral medialization thyroplasty offers an effective surgical option in the treatment of severe, chronic aspiration. It maintains good voice, with a possible return to oral diet. The operation is easily reversible if the patient's condition alters.
Thevasagayam
M S
MS
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK. Mahilravi@aol.com
Willson
K
K
Jennings
C
C
Pracy
P
P
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D014139:Tracheostomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014741:Video Recording; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014833:Voice Quality