RESUMO
Objective: To explore the clinical value of the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis by tenoto-my and vocal process resection with CO_2 laser. Method: Eighteen cases of bilateral vocal cord paralysis after thy-roidectomy from March 2004 to June 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative tracheotomy and CO_2 laser tenotomy and vocal process resection were performed. Result: All patients were able to breathe through the mouth and nose immediately after the operation. Fifteen patients were extubated within 8 weeks. Three patients were op-erated again after 4-6 weeks because of granulation hyperblastosis. All patients were followed up for 1. 6 years to 2. 3 years without breathing difficulties, aspiration and with satisfactory voice. Conclusion: The approach of CO_2 la-ser tenotomy and vocal process resection can effectively relieve breathing difficulty resulted from bilateral vocal cord paralysis, achieve satisfactory voice and avoid aspiration.