[Injection laryngoplasty for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis]

The effects of unilateral vocal fold paralysis on voice production and swallowing can lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of life. Isolated injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve results in limited movement of the affected vocal fold and its fixation in a paramedian position. The leading symptom of paralysis is decreased vocal performance, less commonly aspiration and difficulty breathing on exertion. The selection of the optimal therapeutic method depends on the etiology of vocal fold paralysis, the position of the vocal folds, the prognosis of the disease, the time elapsed since the paralysis, the patient’s comorbidities and motivation. Several types of phonosurgical methods are available to solve the problem, the common goal of which is the medialization of the abnormally positioned, immobile vocal fold in order to optimize phonatory closure. Among the interventions, injection laryngoplasty stands out with its simplicity and versatility, which can correct the position of the paralyzed vocal fold, as well as its volume and, at the same time, its mass. Based on a review of the international literature and our own experiences, we present the methodology for applying the procedure, with particular attention to the different surgical techniques and the types of injectable materials. With the optimal choice of these factors, injection laryngoplasty is a safe, inexpensive, relatively easy to learn, and favorable solution for the treatment of mild to moderate glottic insufficiency due to various causes. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(26): 1017–1024.