[Laryngeal reinnervation by nerve-muscle multipedicle transfer]

Abductive ability was restored by means of a modified nerve-muscle pedicle technique, utilizing nerve-muscle multipedicle and multipoint implantation in seventeen dogs. The results showed that the procedure was superior to traditional Tucker's technique in functional recovery, electrophysiological activity and muscle strength which was also demonstrated by histochemical studies. There was little difference between double and three nerve-muscle pedicle transfer. The procedure has been used in three patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Return of spontaneous abduction in the operated side in two patients was noted after eight and twelve weeks after surgery. All patients have achieved sufficient airway without the need of tracheotomy. Electromyography confirmed the reinnervation of posterior cricoarytenoid muscle.