Autologous Fat Augmentation in Post Type III Cordectomy Patients

Neocord formation after Type III cordectomy is insufficient for complete glottic closure due to scarring and soft tissue deficit. This study evaluates the role of autologous fat injection (AFI) in phonosurgical management of patients who have previously undergone Type III cordectomy for early glottic cancer. Data was collected from hospital records of patients who underwent AFI after previously undergoing Type III cordectomy. A minimum duration of 6 months post-cordectomy was maintained before fat injection. Trans-oral injection was performed at a single site. Pre-operative voice evaluation was done using VHI, GRBAS scale and MDVP software. Post-operative evaluation was done at 6 weeks. 21 out of 62 post-Type III cordectomy patients chose to undergo fat augmentation and were included in the study. A comparison of pre-operative and 6 months post-operative AFI voice analysis showed a significant improvement in VHI, all parameters of GRBAS scale, and improvement in Jitter, Shimmer, SPI and NHR. There was a decrease in fundamental frequency but this was not statistically significant. AFI is an effective procedure for surgical voice rehabilitation of patients who have undergone Type III cordectomy for early laryngeal cancer.