Intracordal fat assessment by 3-dimensional imaging after autologous fat injection in patients with thyroidectomy-induced unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
BACKGROUND
Complications of thyroidectomy are the most frequent cause of unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) in Taiwan. Autologous fat injection for UVCP is a well-established procedure for temporary symptom relief. The aims of this study were to identify the long-term residual fat volume by 3-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT) and to investigate the voice outcome.


METHODS
During this cross-sectional study, 28 consecutive patients who had undergone lipoinjection surgery for symptomatic UVCP resulting from thyroidectomy were enrolled. They received 3-D CT evaluations of the larynx and upper airway after lipoinjection surgery to assess the residual fat volume.


RESULTS
The mean duration from lipoinjection surgery to 3-D CT study was 26 months (range, 12-58). The mean residual fat volume remained consistent (0.39 +/- 0.35 mL; range, 0.01-1.6). The maximal phonation time, s/z ratio, jitter, and harmonic-to-noise ratio were significantly improved during follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Injected fat can survive chronically and provide clinically important improvement in voice in the patients with throidectomy-induced UVCP.
Fang
Tuan-Jen
TJ
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan. fang3109@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Lee
Li-Ang
LA
Wang
Chao-Jan
CJ
Li
Hsueh-Yu
HY
Chiang
Hui-Chen
HC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014831:Voice / Q000502:physiology