[CO2 laser cordectomy: analysis of morpho-functional results]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Laryngeal Surgery
• Voice Science

Context:

• Cordectomy, a surgical procedure involving vocal cord removal, is performed for various laryngeal conditions, primarily neoplasms.
• Understanding the functional outcomes post-cordectomy is crucial for patient rehabilitation and voice restoration.
• The study analyzes diverse cordectomy types, from limited submucosal resections to radical excisions involving the laryngeal ventricle.

Purpose:

• To analyze the anatomo-functional variables following different types of cordectomy.
• To investigate post-surgical vocal recovery, glottic sphincter scarring, commissure synechia, and functional compensation mechanisms.
• To correlate surgical extent and technique with the severity of resulting dysphonia.

Summary:

• Vocal recovery typically occurs within 1-3 months for limited cordectomies, with longer periods for radical procedures.
• Horizontal cordectomy offers better sphincteric recovery prognosis than vertical procedures due to superior neocord formation.
• The larynx demonstrates remarkable functional compensation through mechanisms like neocord formation, false cord phonation, and arytenoid adduction.

Impact:

• Identifies factors influencing vocal recovery and dysphonia severity after cordectomy.
• Highlights the larynx's adaptive capacity in voice production post-surgery.
• Provides objective spectrographic classification of post-cordectomy vocal compromise, aiding in treatment assessment.