Functional assessment of posterior cordotomy in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis

UNLABELLED: Surgical treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis must be undertaken if such a condition lasts 6-12 months or longer and causes dyspnoea. The purpose of the procedures is to assure proper airflow through the glottis and to preserve good voice and unimpaired swallowing. Modern endoscopic surgery of the glottis is performed with CO2 laser. The following paper presents results of laser posterior cordotomy performed in 17 patients aged 19-73 years suffering from bilateral vocal fold paralysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In 7 patients the range of vocal fold resection had to be expanded. 3 individuals developed post-operative granulation in subglottal region. Spirometry and electroglottography were performed before and after the operation to assess the patients' laryngeal functions: respiration and voice quality. The results indicate that laser cordectomy was effective in the discussed group of patients.