Injection medialisation laryngoplasty: an alternative approach for challenging cases

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Vocal Fold Medialization

Background:

• Conventional injection laryngoplasty may be unsuitable for patients with specific anatomical challenges or intolerance to standard endoscopic procedures.
• Presbyphonia, often exacerbated by conditions like Parkinson's disease, can significantly impact voice quality and patient well-being.

Observation:

• A novel transoral approach using a custom-shaped needle guided by a video-laryngoscope was employed for injection medialization laryngoplasty.
• The procedure was successfully performed under general anesthesia, enabling visualization and access similar to conventional methods.

Findings:

• The transoral technique achieved satisfactory vocal fold medialization.
• Post-operative Voice Handicap Index scores significantly improved, decreasing from 21 to 6 within four weeks.

Implications:

• This technique offers a viable alternative for vocal fold medialization when traditional methods are contraindicated.
• It demonstrates the potential of adapting readily available equipment for challenging laryngoplasty cases, improving patient outcomes.