CO2 laser tenotomy and vocal process resection for treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical value of the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis by tenotomy and vocal process resection with CO2 laser.@*METHOD@#Eighteen cases of bilateral vocal cord paralysis after thyroidectomy from March 2004 to June 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative tracheotomy and CO2 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 operated 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 CO2 laser tenotomy and vocal process resection can effectively relieve breathing difficulty resulted from bilateral vocal cord paralysis, achieve satisfactory voice and avoid aspiration.