Total Versus Partial Arytenoidectomy in Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

The Comparison of Voice and Swallowing Parameters After Endoscopic Total and Partial Arytenoidectomy Using Medially Based Mucosal Advancement Flap Technique for Bilateral Abductor Vocal Fold Paralysis: A Randomized Trial

Total arytenoidectomy is claimed to increase risk of aspiration and cause more voice loss than other operations performed for bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). However, objective evidence for such conclusion is lacking. There is no study comparing swallowing and voice after total and partial arytenoidectomy.

Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, case-control Setting: Tertiary, referral, university Patients: Twenty patients with BVFP Intervention: Endoscopic total and partial arytenoidectomy

Voice Handicap Index is a 30-item questionnaire. Possible points change between 0 to 120. Zero means normal voice, 120 means the worst voice. Preoperative examinations were repeated 1 year after surgery.

Fundamental frequency (Hertz), absolute jitter (microseconds), shimmer percent (%), noise to harmonic ratio will be measured as physical measures of voice.

Maximum phonation time (seconds), mean flow rate (liters/second), mean resistance (cmH20/liter/second), mean power (Watt), mean efficiency (ppm) and mean pressure (cmH2O)are obtained as physical measures of aerodynamic analysis.

Breathing ability was evaluated on a scale of -2 to +2 (-2: significantly worse; -1: somewhat worse; 0: no change; +1: somewhat better; +2: significantly better).

Subjective comparison of pre- and postoperative voice on a scale of -2 to +2 (-2: significantly worse; -1: somewhat worse; 0: no change; +1: somewhat better; +2: significantly better).

Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale: 0-5 (0: Normal function and asymptomatic; 1: Normal function with episodic or daily symptoms of dysphagia; 2: Compensated abnormal function manifested by significant dietary modifications or prolonged mealtime (without weight loss or aspiration); 3: Decompensated abnormal function with weight loss of <10% of body weight over 6 months due to dysphagia; or daily cough, gagging or aspiration during meals; 4: Severely decompensated abnormal function with weight loss of >10% of body weight over 6 months due to dysphagia; or severe aspiration with bronchopulmonary complications. Non oral feeding for most nutrition; 5: Non oral feeding for all nutrition).

Inclusion Criteria: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis Exclusion Criteria: Previously operated patients

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