Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2009 Mar;52(3):237-241. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2009.52.3.237.

Role of Temporary Injection Laryngoplasty in Acute Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis with Aspiration

• Chang H
• Ahn Y
• Lim YS
• Hah JH
• Sung MW
• Kim KH
• Kwon TK

• KMID: 2277015
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2009.52.3.237

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
We evaluated the role of temporary injection laryngoplasty in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) after cardiothoracic surgeries.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
Taking the introduction of injection laryngoplasty as a milestone, we divided patients into those who underwent cardiothoracic surgery with UVFP during the years 2001-2004, before the introduction of injection laryngoplasty as pre-injection group (n=83) and those who underwent after the introduction during the years 2000-2007 as post-injection group (n=103). Of the post injection group, patients who received injection laryngoplasty postoperatively before being discharged were defined as injection group (n=37). Patients were also divided into non-esophageal surgery group and esophageal surgery group. Clinical outcomes including the length of hospital stay and oral feeding initiation time were compared between the pre-injection group and the injection group within the same operation group. The degrees of aspiration were classified into 4 grades.
RESULTS
In the non-esophageal surgery group, the injection group with aspiration grade III had shorter hospital stay and oral feeding initiation time after extubation compared to the pre-injection group with grade III aspiration (p=0.042). However, in the esophageal surgery group, there was no statistical difference between the pre-injection and injection groups.
CONCLUSION
Temporary injection laryngoplasty can reduce the hospital stay and enhance oral feeding initiation in patients with aspiration due to UVFP after non-esophageal cardiothoracic surgeries.

Keyword

Injection laryngoplasty; Vocal fold paralysis; Thoracic surgery; Respiratory aspiration

MeSH Terms

Humans
Laryngoplasty
Length of Stay
Paralysis
Respiratory Aspiration
Thoracic Surgery
Vocal Cords