Management of bilateral abductor paralysis: posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy using diode laser.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the role of diode laser-assisted posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy in the management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis patients. METHODS: Posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy using diode laser was performed to thirty-nine patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Voice was evaluated by maximal phonation time and Arabic version of the voice handicap index, while breathing difficulty was assessed by mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) dyspnea scale. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant decrease in mMRC from 2.8 ± 0.645 preoperatively to 0.84 ± 0.554 postoperatively (p < 0.001). However, maximum phonation time is significantly decreased from 8.04 ± 0.978 preoperatively to 6.92 ± 0.997 postoperatively (p < 0.001); there is a statistically non-significant increase in vocal handicap index from 37.12 ± 6.26 preoperatively to 37.24 ± 6.22) postoperatively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The diode laser is a viable method that should be considered for the management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis. It seems to be a very promising laser device, so we expect that new diode laser wavelengths (980 nm) will continue to emerge, making it a good alternative to the CO2 laser, but with lower cost, accurate manipulation, portability, shorter duration, and simplicity of use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.