Thyroplasty type I for unilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis may occur with trauma, neoplasms, mechanical or central nervous system dysfunction, or following extensive aortic and mediastinal vascular surgery or thyroidectomy. Thyroplasty type I is a form of laryngeal framework surgery (ie, phonosurgery) used to treat unilateral vocal cord paralysis. A silicone implant is placed inside a surgically created window in the thyroid cartilage and pushes the paralyzed cord medially, allowing the moving cord to touch the paralyzed cord and close the opening. The procedure is performed under monitored local anesthesia with sedation so the patient can phonate during the procedure. Airway compromise is the main complication associated with this procedure.