[Endoscopic coblation assisted arytenoidectomy in the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis].

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a new surgical technique for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis treated in Dalian Municipal Central Hospital between 2008 and 2012 were retrospectively studied. Coblation assisted arytenoidectomy was performed in all cases. The pre and postoperative glottic measurement and vocal acoustic parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients were decanulated 1 week after operation. Three months later, the mean glottic area increased from (21.9 +/- 4.7) to (40.3 +/- 5.2) mm2 (t = 5.74. P < 0.05); the width of maximal glottic chink increased from (1.47 +/- 0.37) to (4.82 +/- 0.54) mm (t = 6.24, P < 0.05). Twenty-six patients (89.7%) satisfied with the voice quality. Acoustic parameters (F0, jitter, shimmer) were no significant difference (P > 0. 05) , but there was a significant difference in maximum phonation time (P < 0.05). During three months to 3.5 years follow-up, the patients had a stable airway and effective phonation.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic coblation assisted arytenoidectomy is a new surgical method for the treatment of patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis, which is efficient, minimally invasive and safe.