European consensus on endoscopic surgery for bilateral vocal fold immobility: classification and nomenclature

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Laryngology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Inconsistent terminology for endoscopic Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility (BVFI) surgeries hinders outcome comparison.
• A need exists for a unified international nomenclature for BVFI surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pan-European consensus on terminology for endoscopic surgical procedures managing adult BVFI.
• To establish a standardized classification for BVFI endoscopic surgeries.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi process involving 31 European laryngologists and phoniatricians.
• Two voting rounds were conducted on proposed statements and graphical visualizations of surgical techniques.
• Statements required >70% agreement in round one and >80% in round two for acceptance.

Main Results:

• Fourteen statements were validated, defining categories of endoscopic arytenoid and vocal fold surgery.
• Classifications include total and partial arytenoidectomy, posterior cordectomy, and transverse cordotomy.
• Defined suffixes include 'with mucosal preservation', 'with laterofixation', and 'combined procedure'.

Conclusions:

• The consensus provides a practical nomenclature and classification for endoscopic BVFI surgery.
• This standardization aims to improve literature reporting and clinical practice.
• Facilitates better comparison of functional outcomes in BVFI management.