Autologous Fat Augmentation in Post Type III Cordectomy Patients

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Phonosurgery
• Laryngeal Cancer Treatment

Background:

• Type III cordectomy for early glottic cancer can result in insufficient neocord formation, leading to incomplete glottic closure.
• Scarring and soft tissue deficits post-cordectomy impair voice quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of autologous fat injection (AFI) in voice rehabilitation for patients post-Type III cordectomy.
• To assess the impact of AFI on objective and subjective voice parameters.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 21 patients who underwent AFI after Type III cordectomy (minimum 6 months post-op).
• Trans-oral, single-site fat injection procedure.
• Pre- and post-operative voice assessments using Voice Handicap Index (VHI), GRBAS scale, and Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) software.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in VHI scores and all GRBAS scale parameters at 6 months post-AFI.
• Objective voice analysis showed significant improvements in Jitter, Shimmer, Speech Intelligibility Index (SPI), and Noise-to-Harmonics Ratio (NHR).
• A non-significant decrease in fundamental frequency was noted.

Conclusions:

• Autologous fat injection is an effective phonosurgical option for voice rehabilitation in patients following Type III cordectomy for early laryngeal cancer.
• AFI successfully addresses vocal fold asymmetry and soft tissue deficits, leading to improved voice outcomes.