Temporal Muscle and Fascia Transplantation for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Short- and Medium-Term Results in a Case Series.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of autologous temporal muscle and fascia transplantation for the surgical management of glottic insufficiency secondary to unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of this composite graft in restoring glottic function and to analyze its impact on voice quality and aerodynamic parameters in the short and medium term.

METHODS

A total of 23 patients with UVFP underwent autologous temporal muscle and fascia transplantation. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed using dynamic laryngoscopy, vocal acoustics, and aerodynamic measurements.

RESULTS

All 23 patients demonstrated phonatory improvement at one month after surgery, with significant enhancement at the three-month follow-up. Voice quality stabilized by six months, at which point subjective and objective parameters were markedly improved from preoperative values. Notably, stroboscopic examination revealed improved glottic closure and restoration of the mucosal wave in most patients. The improvements in grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain and voice handicap index scores, as well as in acoustic parameters and maximum phonation time (MPT), were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Autologous temporal muscle and fascia transplantation appears to be a safe and effective surgical option for treating UVFP, significantly improving voice quality and glottic function.