Vocal fold masses removal--the sub epithelial micro flap technique

Vocal fold mass removal techniques were significantly modified back in 1970s by Hirano's laminar vocal structure and physiology of phonation works, as well as Titze's vibratory vocal cycle works. New methods were to come. Removing the lession by maximum preservation of vocal laminar microstructure (lamina propria and epithelium) and minimal damage of surrounding normal vocal tissue, was pointed out. Microflap technique is based on presenting the superficial layer of lamina propria with the lesion and removing the lession without damage of the mucosa. Preserving of the mucosal layer provides the shield for vibratory substructures. There are two elementary approaches for microflap: lateral and medial. Lateral microflap technique enables better identification of vocal ligament and lowers the risk of it's injury, particulary when scars and tightly adherent lessions are present. This technique has been used in case of big or diffuse lesions, such as vocal oedema or vocal lygament identification difficulties (e.g. vocal scarification). Medial microflap technique seems to be appropriate in removing smaller, localised lessions, such as cysts and vocal polyps. Our 45 patients experience is presented in this article, in 30 patients lessions were removed by lateral microflap technique (46 vocal cords in total), while 15 patients were treated by medial microflap technique. The outcome was assumed by endovideolaryngostroboscopic analysis of glottal occlussion and mucosal wave prior and following to the procedure. Reinke oedema management results were analysed separately.