title: Combined ultrasound/endoscopy-assisted vocal fold injection for unilateral vocal cord paralysis: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Transcutaneous vocal cord injection is a popular treatment choice for patients suffering from unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Transcutaneous transcartilaginous (through the thyroid cartilage) approach abolishes any anatomical constraint to reach the vocal cord. However it is a largely blind procedure as the needle should stay submucosal. Herein we report our experience in employing ultrasound guidance to circumvent this problem.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review of a series of 8 patients who underwent combined ultrasound/endoscopy-assisted vocal cord injection for unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vocal cord injections were successfully completed in all but one patient. There were no associate complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of ultrasound in aiding transcutaneous transcartilaginous vocal cord injection is safe and feasible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • Vocal cord injection is effective in treating unilateral vocal cord paralysis                                                  • A number of transcutaneous approaches with the patient awake have been described                                                  • Transcutaneous transcartilaginous approach theoretically has minimal anatomical restraint to reach the vocal cord                                                  • Disadvantage of that approach is the difficulty to accurately position the needle                                                  • Our experience of using ultrasound to circumvent this problem is positive.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR, China.
authors: Siu Kwan
authors: SK
authors: Ng
authors: Hok Yuen
authors: HY
authors: Yuen
authors: Charles A
authors: CA
authors: van Hasselt
authors: Anil
authors: A
authors: Ahuja
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D055676:Viscosupplementation / Q000379:methods*; D055675:Viscosupplements / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D055675:Viscosupplements