Long-term results of autologous fascia in unilateral vocal fold paralysis

The objective of this retrospective clinical review was to evaluate the long-term results of injection laryngoplasty with autologous fascia as a single, primary procedure in unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Forty-three patients who had undergone injection laryngoplasty between 1996 and 2003 entered the study. Clinical examination and videostroboscopy were performed and the voice handicap index was analyzed postoperatively. Pre- and post-operative evaluation included computerized acoustic analysis and perceptual evaluation. The results remained stable 3-10 years and were not affected by the length of follow-up, the delay from paralysis to surgery, or the age of the patient. Although most mean values of voice parameters were significantly improved, results in individual patients were difficult to predict. Poor results were especially related to cases caused by intrathoracic lesions. Wide glottal gaps should not be treated with fascia injection. Fascia is a stable graft and most suitable for cases with less severe glottal insufficiency.