Vocal fold augmentation under local anesthesia using autologous fascia

Abstract

Vocal fold augmentation by injection of autologous fascia has been used since the 1990s with excellent safety record in 500 operations done under general anaesthesia. It is safe from risks arising from allergic or other foreign body adverse reactions. Fascia provides long-term augmentation and remains stable 3-10 years after injection.

Vocal fold augmentation under local anaesthesia is excellent alternative for those unfit for general anaesthesia, providing aid to fragile and weak persons with vocal fold paralysis. However, all of available synthetic materials resorb within 6-24 months.

Fascia injection under local anaesthesia provides the possibility for a long-term vocal fold medialization while avoiding risk of general anaesthesia. Fascia lata harvesting and processing is easily done (as shown in video) followed by injection into the vocal fold. The whole procedure is done under local anaesthesia. Procedure offers long-term vocal fold medialization, fine tuning the amount of the medialization by immediate feedback from the patient's voice. Operation time is one hour.

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