[Indications for vocal cord augmentation with collagen].

BACKGROUND

Vocal fold augmentation through an indirect laryngoscopic injection has been largely supplanted by the external approach of vocal fold medialization. Vocal fold augmentation with collagen is still of clinical importance for the temporary treatment of glottic insufficiencies. The different elimination time of certain collagen compounds in the vocal fold tissue enables individual therapeutic applications.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The collagen compounds Zyderm I and II and Zyplast were injected into the vocal fold in 37 patients with neurogenic glottic insufficiency and 2 patients with vocal fold atrophy during indirect laryngoscopy. The choice of compound was made depending on the case, prognosis, severity of the disorder, the persistence of the glottic insufficiency, and the patient's age and condition.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients showed an significant improvement of the glottic closure. However, 6 patients showed hardly any change.

CONCLUSION

Collagen augmentation can be used for the temporary medialization of the vocal fold. It is a suitable method for the treatment of vocal fold paralysis a) within the neural regeneration time, and b) in patients with reduced condition and/or a short life expectancy due to severe diseases.