[Phonomicrosurgery - a retrospective analysis of 400 cases]

Introduction Voice disorders caused by pseudotumors of the vocal folds or paralysis of the vocal folds with incomplete glottis closure frequently require phonomicrosurgery. These interventions were analyzed with regard to quality of voice after surgery and safety of the intervention. Methods Retrospective analysis of 400 consecutive phonomicrosurgery interventions. The following parameters were collected: distribution of pathologies of the vocal folds, rating of the voice quality by both the surgeon (RBH-system) and patient and videolaryngstroboscopy six weeks after the intervention compared to the state prior to surgery, complications and results of histological examination. Results In our collective vocal fold polyps (36 %), cysts (12 %) and paralysis (10 %) dominated. After the intervention the quality of voice improved in 90 % of all cases. In 14 % voice therapy was needed postoperatively because of hyperfunction.After vocal fold augmentation one patient developed an edema of the larynx and another patient a temporary paralysis of the vocal fold of the opposite side. The histological examination showed as incidental findings a malignant osteoclastic giant cell tumor, a granular cell tumor and a carcinoma in situ of the vocal fold requiring further surgery and follow up. Discussion Phonomicrosurgery is a safe and effective therapy. The histological examination is also useful in patients with macroscopically non suspicious lesions to recognize rare or malignant tumor entities. Patient observation with early detection as well as therapy of complications like edema of the larynx or vocal fold paralysis is recommended.