MEDIALIZATION THYROPLASTY FOR SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ' UNILATERAL VOCAL FOLD PARALYSIS

Abstract

Laryngeal framework surgery consists of procedures designed to alter vocal fold shape and tension to affect glottic closure and vocal pitch. Medialization thyroplasty is the most widely used laryngeal framework surgical procedure.

Isshiki introduced the basic techniques of medialization thyroplasty 25 years ago and he has continued to build on the concept of adjusting vocal fold position and tension to achieve optimal vocal functions.

Any organic laryngeal disease, excluding tumors, which causes imperfect closure of the glottis during phonation is an indication for thyroplasty type I. Most frequently, it is indicated for dysphonia due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Thyroplasty type I with or without arytenoid adduction is used for medialization of the vocal fold, mostly depending on the width of the glottic chink.

The procedure is well tolerated by patients, and the surgeon can adjust the degree of lateral compression in accordance with vocalization rather as one would tune a piano string.

Subjective and/or objective voice parameters after thyroplasty type I have shown considerable improvements in voice quality.