Lateral fixation of the vocal fold (Lichtenberger's technique): interest in the bilateral laryngeal immobilities

• Published in: Revue de laryngologie - otologie - rhinologie Vol. 127; no. 5; p. 353
• Main Authors: Pérouse, R, Coulombeau, B, Arias, C, Casanova, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 2006
• Subjects: Arytenoid Cartilage - surgery; Burns - complications; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Larynx - injuries; Patient Satisfaction; Reoperation; Surgical Instruments; Suture Techniques; Thyroidectomy - adverse effects; Time Factors; Tracheotomy; Vocal Cord Paralysis - etiology; Vocal Cord Paralysis - surgery
• ISSN: 0035-1334

In patients presenting a bilateral laryngeal immobility, the potential reversibility of certain cases, the refusal or the bad tolerance of long term tracheotomy bring up the question of the choice of the surgical technique if it is indicated. To report our experience with the technique of lateralization of the paralyzed vocal fold (arytenoidopexy) suggested by Lichtenberger. After having described the technique, we report 5 cases (3 pos-thyroidectomy, I of central origine, 1 post-burn). From 1 to 12 months after surgery 2 patients were fully satisfied, a patient (central origin) recovered spontaneously at the end of a month and the 2 last had a partial result. Only one patient required several surgical gestures. The Lichtenberger's technique combines theoretical reversibility and conservation of a functional glottic plan. It avoids tracheotomy. This approach can according to us validly replace the traditional techniques, medium or long term tracheotomy , or endoscopic arythenoid or posterior vocal fold resection.