RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) is a common finding in the practice of otolaryngology. It usually presents with hoarseness, although more severe symptoms may include aspiration, choking or pneumonia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the etiology, outcomes and sensitivity of diagnostic tests. PATIENTS: Patients with UVCP. SETTING: Department of Otolaryngology, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. DESIGN: Descriptive study. RESULT: Ninety patients with UVCP were encountered between 1994 and 1998. The left vocal cord was involved in 73 per cent of cases and the right vocal cord in 27 per cent. The causes were neoplasm (29%), postoperative (24%), inflammation (21%), trauma from endotracheal intubation and external laryngeal trauma (8%), central (5%) and idiopathic causes (13%). Among the 13 post-thyroid surgical cases, three had a complete recovery, seven had compensation and three had no recovery and no compensation. Two trauma cases were caused by intubation, both had a complete recovery. Follow-up of these were over periods of one and three months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thirty nine per cent of chest X-rays were positive. This was the only useful diagnostic test.