Chemodenervation of the rat hemilarynx with phenol.

In this study, the injection of phenol into the true vocal fold was evaluated on a rat model as a possible treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia. A 10% phenol solution was injected into the right true vocal fold. Quantitative measurement of vocal fold adductory force showed reduction to 35% of the preinjection value 3 months after injection (p < .05). Qualitative evaluation by videolaryngoscopy demonstrated maintenance of the normal vocal fold range of motion. Histologic studies showed a transient inflammatory infiltrate and myolysis, while the vocal fold mucosa and the cricoarytenoid joints remained undamaged. Further investigation into the potential use of phenol for treating spasmodic dysphonia is warranted.