Long-term results in patients after combined laser total arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy for bilateral vocal cord paralysis

• Published in: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology Vol. 264; no. 8; pp. 895 - 900
• Main Authors: MISIOLEK, Maciej, ZIORA, Dariusz, NAMYSLOWSKI, Grzegorz, MISIOLEK, Hanna, KUCIA, Jaroslaw, SCIERSKI, Wojciech, KOZIELSKI, Jerzy, WARMUZINSKI, Krzysztof
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.08.2007
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arytenoid Cartilage - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Laser Therapy - methods; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Nervous system as a whole; Neurology; Non tumoral diseases; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures - methods; Otorhinolaryngology (head neck, general aspects and miscellaneous); Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Plethysmography; Respiratory Function Tests; Thyroidectomy - adverse effects; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology; Vocal Cord Paralysis - etiology; Vocal Cord Paralysis - physiopathology; Vocal Cord Paralysis - surgery; Vocal Cords - physiopathology; Vocal Cords - surgery; Human; Nervous system diseases; Arytenoidectomy Ventilation tests; Motor system disorder; Bilateral; Long term; Arytenoidectomy; Vocal cord paralysis; Laser; Posterior; ENT disease; Ventilation; Larynx disease; Neurological disorder; Cordectomy
• DOI: 10.1007/s00405-007-0288-y
• ISSN: 0937-4477

The problem of ventilation efficiency after total laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy due to bilateral vocal cord paralysis is discussed. There are a number of views on the usefulness and efficacy of different surgical procedures aimed at widening the glottis, but the studies concerning the long-term functional results are still lacking. The objective of the study is to evaluate the durability of ventilation results in patients after laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy based on the comparison between the early postoperative results and those assessed after a period of 5 years. Thirty patients (24 females, 6 males) aged between 30 and 80 (mean 58.5) with bilateral vocal cord paralysis after thyroid surgery, who underwent laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy, were analyzed. Ventilation tests were performed immediately after the operation and 5 years later with Body-Master Laab (Jaeger). The actual and predicted values of FVC, FEF(25), FEF(50), FEF(75), PEF, MMEF(75/25), AREA(Ex), sR(T0T), R(T0T) were compared and analyzed. Also, the values of the inspiratory parameters FIV(1), FIF(50), PIF and the coefficients FEF(50)/FIF(50) and FIV(1)/FEV(1) were assessed. Moreover, subjective evaluation was performed based on a questionnaire. The statistical analysis reveals a significant decrease in FIV(1), FIF(50), PIF and FIV(1)/FEV(1). FEF(50)/FIF(50) and sR(T0T) (actual and predicted values) increased significantly after 5 years from the operation. However, the patients did not complain nor was this tendency reflected in their answers to the questionnaire. The probable reasons for such ventilation results are discussed. The role of phoniatric rehabilitation and the time elapsed is emphasized. In general, it can be concluded that laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy is a durable and effective procedure, although the objective assessment does not fully match the patient's subjective impression.