[Vocal folds paresis -- our experience in diagnostics and treatment].

In the years 1989-1992 we diagnosed 148 cases of recurrent nerve paresis. There were 78 cases of iatrogenic paresis, mainly caused by thyroid surgery and cardiosurgery. In 48 cases we found the diseases which caused paresis (mainly cancers and lesions of central nervous system). In 22 cases we have not found the cause of the paresis. We used videostroboscopy for diagnostic and monitoring therapy. This method seems to be very valuable because provides very good magnified image of the larynx and serves perfect documentation. The return of mucosal wave is the first sign of reinnervation of vocal cord. In the paper we analysed the voice quality of the patients by means of original acoustic method. The results of long term treatment were presented. We emphasizes the important role of voice rehabilitation in preventing of vocal muscle atrophy and degenerative changes in cricothyroid joint.