Optimization of surgical treatment for unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Abstract

Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis have a reduced quality of life due to difficulty in speaking and singing due to hoarseness or difficulty in swallowing. Vocal fold paralysis may recover spontaneously, however, if recovery is not achieved, it may require surgical treatment. Since there is no treatment to restore the mobility of the vocal folds, surgery to medialize the vocal folds is the only way to improve the voice. Surgical treatment for unilateral vocal fold paralysis can be broadly classified into arytenoid adduction and simple medialization. This article describes the method of evaluating postoperative results, criteria for selecting surgical procedures, and specific methods of each procedure in relation to the optimization of treatment.