The surgical treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP): qualitative review analysis and meta-analysis study

Predictors of injection laryngoplasty volume for glottic insufficiency

PURPOSE

Volume injected for glottic insufficiency is paramount in achieving desired outcome. Factors that determine the required volume have not been thoroughly investigated and may correlate with outcome. The first objective of this investigation was to evaluate the association between injectable volume and various parameters, including lifestyle characteristics, pre-procedural factors, and voice measures, while the second aim assessed the correlation of volume to clinical outcomes in patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty.

METHODS

For the first objective, a one-way ANOVA and univariate linear regression were used to analyze data from 124 patients (injected material, pre-operative diagnosis, previous voice therapy, age etc.). One-sample t-tests and Pearson correlational coefficients were employed for statistical analysis of aim 2 in a subgroup of 28 patients that had pre- and post-injection voice evaluations (e.g., acoustic and aerodynamic analysis, perceptual assessment, questionnaires).

RESULTS

Average injection volume was 0.39 ± 0.062 mL (range: 0.1-1.6mL). No pre-procedural or lifestyle factor significantly affected injection volume (p > 0.05). There was no relationship between pre-procedural voice outcomes and injection volume (p > 0.05). Of the factors that were significantly improved post-injection laryngoplasty (GFI, VHI, and GRBAS), there were no significant correlations between the magnitude of improvement in these measures and injection volume (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Injection volume does not appear to be affected by pre-procedural or lifestyle factors. In addition, injection volume does not significantly impact clinical outcomes assessed through voice analysis or patient-reported questionnaires. Our results underscore the complexity of factors at play in injection laryngoplasty for glottic insufficiency.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Injection Laryngoplasty Using Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma or Autologous Fat With Platelet-Rich Fibrin for the Treatment of Patients With Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

OBJECTIVES

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can be idiopathic or a result of surgery, cancer, or neurological disease. The most common presentation is dysphonia, which causes problems with communication, and can lead to anxiety and depression. Injection laryngoplasty (IL) is a current means of treatment, but there have been few studies to determine the optimal material to use. Therefore, we aimed to compare the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma and autologous fat with platelet-rich fibrin for IL under local anesthesia and general anesthesia, respectively.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, Ramathibodi Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with UVFP were recruited. All met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to two groups, to be treated using autologous platelet-rich plasma under local anesthesia or autologous fat with platelet-rich fibrin under general anesthesia. The primary outcome was the mean difference in the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) between the groups at 1- and 6-months post. The secondary outcomes were the mean differences in voice acoustic parameters [maximum phonation time (MPT), jitter, shimmer, and harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR)] between the groups at these time points.

RESULTS

At the measured time points, there were no significant differences in the mean VHIs (P = 0.462), MPT (P = 0.79), jitter (P = 0.234), shimmer (P = 0.863), or HNR (P = 0.096) between the groups. Few people who underwent the procedure under local anesthesia developed laryngospasm, while some of those in the fat with platelet-rich fibrin developed postoperative abdominal contusion or hematoma which resolved spontaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

We have found no difference in the effectiveness of IL using autologous platelet-rich plasma under local anesthesia or autologous fat with platelet-rich fibrin performed under general anesthesia in patients with UVFP. No serious or life-threatening complications were found in both groups.

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis as a port complication

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) is a frequent finding in otorhinolaryngology practice, but its occurrence as a port complication was very rarely described in English Literature. The authors report a 55-year-old woman with a pancreatic adenocarcinoma who presented a left vocal fold paralysis that occurred concurrently with a venous thrombosis of the left subclavian vein, where a totally implantable venous-access had been previously placed. Although the patient's oncologic disease, that could mislead to a neoplastic cause of the UVFP, the authors came across with an unusual etiology and to their best knowledge, it is the first case of irreversible UVFP associated with onsite thrombosis of the vessel where a port was implanted. The objective of this article is to present and discuss this rare case of UVFP secondary to a port complication and to review the main mechanisms of iatrogenic vocal fold paralysis related to these devices.

In vitro evaluation of genipin-crosslinked gelatin hydrogels for vocal fold injection

Glottic insufficiency is one of the voice disorders affecting all demographics. Due to the incomplete closure of the vocal fold, there is a risk of aspiration and ineffective phonation. Current treatments for glottic insufficiency include nerve repair, reinnervation, implantation and injection laryngoplasty. Injection laryngoplasty is favored among these techniques due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. However, research into developing an effective injectable for the treatment of glottic insufficiency is currently lacking. Therefore, this study aims to develop an injectable gelatin (G) hydrogel crosslinked with either 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminpropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride) (EDC) or genipin (gn). The gelation time, biodegradability and swelling ratio of hydrogels with varying concentrations of gelatin (6-10% G) and genipin (0.1-0.5% gn) were investigated. Some selected formulations were proceeded with rheology, pore size, chemical analysis and in vitro cellular activity of Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJMSCs), to determine the safety application of the selected hydrogels, for future cell delivery prospect. 6G 0.4gn and 8G 0.4gn were the only hydrogel groups capable of achieving complete gelation within 20 min, exhibiting an elastic modulus between 2 and 10 kPa and a pore size between 100 and 400 μm. Moreover, these hydrogels were biodegradable and biocompatible with WJMSCs, as > 70% viability were observed after 7 days of in vitro culture. Our results suggested 6G 0.4gn and 8G 0.4gn hydrogels as potential cell encapsulation injectates. In light of these findings, future research should focus on characterizing their encapsulation efficiency and exploring the possibility of using these hydrogels as a drug delivery system for vocal fold treatment.

Lipoinjection for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Lipoinjection is one of the available treatments for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate lipoinjection predictability, and analyze the differences in safety and efficacy of the different techniques.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic review on Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases included 49 articles analyzing the data of 1,166 patients, concerning technical details and voice parameters changes. Lipoinjection used a mean volume of 1.3 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.92, 1.69)-average overcorrection of 30%. Meta-analysis of pre- and postoperative voice parameters' means showed a significant improvement at 6 months of mean phonation time (preoperative: 5.12, 95% CI [4.48, 5.76]-6 months: 10.46, 95% CI [9.18, 11.75]), Jitter (preoperative: 2.71, 95% CI [2.08, 3.33])-6 months: 1.37, 95% CI [1.05, 1.70]), Shimmer (preoperative: 4.55, 95% CI [3.04, 6.07]-6 months: 2.57, 95% CI [1.69, 3.45]), grade (preoperative: 2.15, 95% CI [1.73, 2.57]-6 months: 0.12, 95% CI [0.97, 1.43]), breathiness (preoperative: 2.012, 95% CI [1.48, 2.55]-6 months: 0.99, 95% CI [0.58, 1.40]), and asthenia (preoperative: 1.90, 95% CI [1.33, 2.47]-6 months: 0.75, 95% CI [0.17, 1.33]) of GRBAS (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia and Strain), and Voice Handicap Index-30 (preoperative: 72.06, 95% CI [54.35, 89.76]-6 months: 26.24, 95% CI [19.58, 32.90]). Subgroup analysis by harvesting technique concluded in no statistically significant difference between them. Few complications were reported. Reintervention was only required for 86 patients.

CONCLUSION

Lipoinjection seems a safe therapeutic option for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, with available data showing an efficacy lasting 6 months to 1 year. Laryngoscope, 2021.

Autologous Fat Injection Laryngoplasty for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

BACKGROUND

Unilateral vocal palsy (UVFP) affects the voice and swallowing function and could be treated by various materials to achieve improved mucosal wave and better closure during phonation. Injection laryngoplasty is considered an exemplary method for these patients and could be injected as early as possible. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for the subjective and objective outcomes of autologous fat injection laryngoplasty (AFIL) and assessed the effects for patients with UVFP.

METHODS

We searched studies from PubMed and EBSCO databases with PRISMA appraisal to search for articles about the effects of AFIL on UVFP. The published articles were reviewed according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The short- and long-term outcomes of perceptual, acoustic analysis, and quality of life were also analyzed by meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eleven articles were reviewed, and seven studies were selected for meta-analysis. AFIL improves the perceptual outcome and some voice parameters in short-term and long-term results, i.e., jitter, shimmer, and maximal phonation time (MPT). It also significantly improved the voice handicap index (VHI) in the long term, suggesting an increase in quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

AFIL is considered a reliable treatment method for UVFP and could even last for over 12 months.

Characteristics, natural evolution and surgical treatment outcomes of unilateral laryngeal paralysis versus ankylosis: A longitudinal cohort study

AIMS

Although unilateral laryngeal immobility (ULI) can results from paralysis or ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint, no comparative study exists to date. Aim of this study was to compare clinical features, aetiologies, spontaneous recovery and evolution after surgical treatment of ULI according to its mechanism.

METHODOLOGY

Longitudinal observational cohort study between 1992 and 2017 in a tertiary care referral centre and university teaching hospital. All adult patients with isolated ULI were included. Presenting symptoms and demographic data were recorded at baseline. During follow-up, natural recovery and, if a surgical treatment was performed, treatment failure rate were noted.

RESULTS

994 patients were included, 56.4% of male and with a mean age of 58 years. Overall, 91% had paralysis and 9% had ankylosis. Dysphonia was the main symptom in both groups (>96%). Dyspnoea was more frequent in patients with ankylosis (26.1% vs 4.2% in those with paralysis) whereas dysphagia was more frequent in those with paralysis (31.1% vs 20% in those with ankylosis). With a mean follow-up of 2.3 years (±5.1), spontaneous recovery did not differ according to ULI's aetiology (hazard ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 0.85-2.40). Overall, 37.1% underwent a surgical treatment, and paralysis was associated with a lower odd of treatment failure (hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.10-0.70) over a mean follow-up of 3.1 years (±4.1).

CONCLUSION

ULI resulting from paralysis or ankylosis differ in their symptoms and responses to surgical treatment, whereas natural evolution was similar.

Medialization Laryngoplasty: A Review for Speech-Language Pathologists

Purpose The purpose of this study is to familiarize speech-language-pathologists with the current state of the science regarding medialization laryngoplasty in the treatment of voice disorders, with emphasis on current evidence-based practice, voice outcomes, and future directions for research. Method A literature review was performed in PubMed and Embase using the keywords vocal fold/cord and laryngoplasty, thyroplasty, augmentation, or laryngeal framework. Articles published between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed for data about clinical applications, technical approach, voice-related outcomes, and basic science or clinical innovations with the potential to improve patient care. A synthesis of data was performed from articles meeting the outlined search criteria. Conclusions As key members in the multidisciplinary care of voice disorders, speech-language pathologists need to be informed of current research in medialization laryngoplasty, a procedure commonly used for patients with glottic insufficiency. Advances in anesthetic technique, office-based procedures, and the development of materials with increased bio-tolerability over the past decade have led to innovations in treatment and improved patient outcomes. Recent applications of computational and bioengineering approaches have the potential to provide new directions in the refinement of currently available techniques and the improvement of patient-based treatment outcomes.

Left Vocal Cord Paralysis, Lung Function and Exercise Capacity in Young Adults Born Extremely Preterm With a History of Neonatal Patent Ductus Arteriosus Surgery-A National Cohort Study

Background: Left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) is a known complication of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) surgery in extremely preterm (EP) born neonates; however, consequences of LVCP beyond the first year of life are insufficiently described. Both voice problems and breathing difficulties during physical activity could be expected with an impaired laryngeal inlet. More knowledge may improve the follow-up of EP-born subjects who underwent PDA surgery and prevent confusion between LVCP and other diagnoses. Objectives: Examine the prevalence of LVCP in a nationwide cohort of adults born EP with a history of PDA surgery, and compare symptoms, lung function, and exercise capacity between groups with and without LVCP, and vs. controls born EP and at term. Methods: Adults born EP (<28 weeks' gestation or birth weight <1,000 g) in Norway during 1999-2000 who underwent neonatal PDA surgery and controls born EP and at term were invited to complete questionnaires mapping voice-and respiratory symptoms, and to perform spirometry and maximal treadmill exercise testing. In the PDA-surgery group, exercise tests were performed with a laryngoscope positioned to evaluate laryngeal function. Results: Thirty out of 48 (63%) eligible PDA-surgery subjects were examined at mean (standard deviation) age 19.4 (0.8) years, sixteen (53%) had LVCP. LVCP was associated with self-reported voice symptoms and laryngeal obstruction during exercise, not with lung function or peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak). In the PDA-surgery group, forced expiratory volume in 1 second z-score (z-FEV₁) was reduced compared to EP-born controls (n = 30) and term-born controls (n = 36); mean (95% confidence interval) z-FEV₁ was -1.8 (-2.3, -1.2), -0.7 (-1.1, -0.3) and -0.3 (-0.5, -0.0), respectively. For VO₂peak, corresponding figures were 37.5 (34.9, 40.2), 38.1 (35.1, 41.1), and 43.6 (41.0, 46.5) ml/kg/min, respectively. Conclusions: LVCP was common in EP-born young adults who had undergone neonatal PDA surgery. Within the PDA-surgery group, LVCP was associated with self-reported voice symptoms and laryngeal obstruction during exercise, however we did not find an association with lung function or exercise capacity. Overall, the PDA-surgery group had reduced lung function compared to EP-born and term-born controls, whereas exercise capacity was similarly reduced for both the PDA-surgery and EP-born control groups when compared to term-born controls.

Rehabilitation Therapy for Vocal Fold Paralysis Caused by Lung Cancer: A Case Report

OBJECTIVE

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can be caused by iatrogenic injury or tumor-induced damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Studies of comprehensive rehabilitation therapies for patients suffering from severe UVFP are limited. The purpose of this case report is to describe an improvement in complete aphonia after comprehensive rehabilitation therapies in a patient with severe UVFP due to a lung tumor.

METHODS

An 81-year-old woman with a history of bronchial adenoma had complete aphonia due to compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by the tumor. Dynamic fibrolaryngoscope revealed paralysis of the left vocal fold. The patient was treated with interferential current therapy, vocal training, and kinesiology taping. Indicators of voice recovery were scored according to the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain scale, and the voice handicap index.

RESULTS

After 10 days of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, the patient recovered from complete aphonia to normal communication. The hoarseness and breathiness of patient were significantly improved. In addition, the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain, and the voice handicap index scores changed from severe to mild or absent.

CONCLUSION

This case provided a novel comprehensive treatment for a patient with UVFP, which was safe, cost-effective, and easy to implement in clinic.

A Novel Endoscopic Arytenoid Medialization for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Arytenoid adduction (AA) has been indicated for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) patients with vertical vocal fold height mismatch and/or large posterior glottic gaps that are unable to be adequately addressed by anterior medialization techniques. Although AA offers several advantages over other methods, it is technically challenging and involves significant laryngeal manipulation of the cricoarytenoid joint. A novel, minimally invasive endoscopic arytenoid medialization technique is presented for the closure of the posterior commissure.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Seventeen consecutive patients were diagnosed and treated with unilateral endoscopic arytenoid medialization (EAM) combined with injection laryngoplasty because of unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), maximum phonation time (MPT), fundamental frequency (F₀ ), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated preoperatively, 1 month, and 1 year after EAM.

RESULTS

Jitter, shimmer, HNR, and MPT significantly improved and remained stable 1 year after the intervention. F₀ and PIF remained unchanged. Significant improvements in VHI and QoL demonstrated patient satisfaction with voicing and respiratory functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic arytenoid medialization is a quick, minimally invasive solution for unilateral vocal fold paralysis. With simultaneous augmentation of the vocal fold, it provides a complete glottic closure along the entire vocal fold in UVFP patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E903-E910, 2021.

Autologous Fat Augmentation in the Treatment of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis - A 15-year Experience in a Single Institution

Autologous fat vocal fold augmentation is a widespread surgical procedure that aims to repair glottal incompetence in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). However, there are some concerns in the literature about the long-term results of this technique. At the ENT Department of the Zagreb University Hospital Centre, this technique has been in use for more than 15 years, and a retrospective medical chart review was conducted from June 2005 to November 2019. Overall, 78 patients with UVFP met the inclusion criteria for enrolment in the study. All patients underwent at least one preoperative and two postoperative voice assessments, one early (within 3 months from surgery) and one late (at least 1 year after surgery). All tested voice outcome parameters (maximum phonation time (MPT), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR)) significantly improved after surgery, both early and late postoperatively (p<0.001). The reoperation rate was only 10.3% (8/78), with the majority of patients in our series experiencing long-term benefits from this surgical procedure. According to the results of our study, autologous fat vocal fold augmentation appears to be a highly useful and effective surgical technique with long-lasting results in the majority of patients suffering from UVFP.

Vocal Fold Paralysis Secondary to Subclavian Venous Thrombosis

The etiology of vocal fold paralysis is multifaceted. One of the rare causes is internal jugular vein thrombosis secondary to central venous catheterization. The palsy is usually ipsilateral to the site of indwelled catheterization, self-limited and reversible. The authors of this manuscript report a rare case of contralateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy induced by subclavian vein thrombosis following central venous catheterization. The patient developed irreversible vocal fold paralysis that necessitated office-based injection laryngoplasty.