Long-term postoperative vocal function after thyroplasty type I and fat injection laryngoplasty

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech and Hearing Science

Background:

• Unilateral vocal fold paralysis can significantly impair voice quality and function.
• Surgical interventions aim to restore vocal fold function and improve voice outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the long-term functional outcomes of medialization thyroplasty type I (MT) and autologous fat injection laryngoplasty (FIL) in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 41 patients undergoing MT and 73 patients undergoing FIL.
• Pre- and postoperative voice function assessment using aerodynamic, pitch/intensity, and acoustic analyses.
• Long-term follow-up at a median of 12 months post-MT and 4 years post-FIL.

Main Results:

• Both MT and FIL demonstrated significant improvements in all voice parameters post-surgery.
• Postoperative acoustic analyses showed significant differences between the two surgical groups.
• Aerodynamic analysis showed greater improvement after FIL compared to MT, potentially due to respiratory handicap management.

Conclusions:

• Medialization thyroplasty (MT) and autologous fat injection laryngoplasty (FIL) are comparably effective for improving vocal function in unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
• Both surgical techniques provide reliable and durable results for voice restoration in affected patients.