Polydimethylsiloxane for injection laryngoplasty: two cases necessitating tracheotomy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Vocal Cord Surgery
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Recurrent laryngeal nerve lesions often cause glottic insufficiency, necessitating surgical intervention.
• Injection laryngoplasty with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a widely adopted, minimally invasive technique for vocal fold medialization.
• PDMS is favored for its inert nature and efficacy, with rare reported complications like migration or granuloma formation.

Observation:

• This study presents two unique cases of patients experiencing severe acute complications after PDMS injection laryngoplasty.
• These complications represent a departure from the typically benign outcomes associated with this procedure.

Findings:

• The cases highlight the potential for rare but serious adverse events following PDMS injection laryngoplasty.
• These findings underscore the importance of vigilance and prompt management of unexpected post-operative symptoms.

Implications:

• Further investigation into the mechanisms behind these severe acute complications is warranted.
• These insights may inform surgical technique refinement and patient selection for injection laryngoplasty.
• Enhanced awareness of potential risks can improve patient safety and outcomes in vocal fold medialization surgery.