Selective reinnervation using phrenic nerve and hypoglossal nerve for bilateral vocal fold paralysis

Objective

To evaluate the extent of airway improvement and voice quality in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) who underwent selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery.

Methods

Seven patients with BVFP caused by thyroid surgeries were enrolled. They underwent selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery. Videostroboscopy data, voice perceptual data (grade [G]), acoustic data, laryngeal electromyography data, and pulmonary function test data were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

Videostroboscopic videos showed that six patients could achieve moderate‐to‐maximal abduction in the bilateral vocal folds during inspiration, whereas all patients achieved adduction in the bilateral vocal folds during phonation at 4 to 7 months postoperatively. G score was decreased significantly versus preoperative values (P < 0.05), and vocal functional parameters were improved significantly at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). The aerodynamic parameter of maximum phonation time was significantly longer than the preoperative value (P < 0.05). Most parameters in pulmonary function test recovered to normal reference levels as early as 3 months postoperatively, whereas maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) values were still slightly lower than normal levels 12 months after surgery. All of these parameters improved significantly versus preoperative values. Electromyographic data at 12 months postoperatively showed full interference potentials in bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscles during inspiration and full interference potentials in bilateral thyroarytenoid muscles during phonation in all patients. Moderate electric potentials were seen in left interarytenoid muscle in one failed patient.

Conclusion

This new selective laryngeal reinnervation procedure can achieve physiological movements of the bilateral vocal folds in selected patients with BVFP.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2019

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