Injection Laryngoplasty: Vocal Cord Augmentation
Injection laryngoplasty is a surgical procedure performed with injections to treat voice disorders caused by vocal cord paralysis or volume loss. This method involves filling the vocal cord with a biocompatible material to position it correctly, aiming to improve speech and swallowing functions.
Purpose and Benefits
Injection laryngoplasty primarily aims to restore voice quality. It is particularly effective in the following conditions:
- Vocal Cord Paralysis: Cases of unilateral vocal cord immobility.
- Atrophy and Volume Loss: Thinning of the vocal cords due to aging or other causes.
- Scar Tissue: Vocal cord damage resulting from surgery or trauma.
This treatment helps patients facilitate daily communication and regain their confidence.
Procedure
Injection laryngoplasty is typically performed under general or sometimes local anesthesia. The patient’s vocal cords are visualized using a camera, and the necessary biomaterial is injected directly into the vocal cord using a fine needle. The goal is to position the weak or paralyzed vocal cord toward the midline, enabling better contact with the opposite vocal cord.
Materials Used
The material used during the injection is selected based on the treatment duration and the patient’s needs. Commonly preferred materials include:
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Most frequently used and ideal for temporary solutions.
- Calcium Hydroxyapatite: Provides longer-lasting effects.
- Autologous Fat Tissue: Preferred for natural and biological compatibility.
- Synthetic Fillers: Materials like silicone or Gore-Tex are used for permanent results.
Advantages
- Minimally Invasive: Does not require large incisions.
- Fast Recovery: Patients can typically return to normal life within a few days.
- Personalized Treatment: The amount and type of material injected are tailored to the patient.
- No Hospitalization Required: Mostly performed as an outpatient procedure.
Risks and Considerations
As with any medical intervention, injection laryngoplasty comes with certain risks:
- Temporary swelling or discomfort.
- The need for additional intervention in cases of overcorrection or undercorrection.
- Rarely, infection or displacement of the material.
Conclusion
Injection laryngoplasty is a groundbreaking treatment in otolaryngology for voice rehabilitation. By restoring the function of the vocal cords, it enhances patients’ quality of life and enables effective communication. With advancing technology and biomaterials, this method has further evolved, becoming a significant option in treating voice disorders.
Through this treatment, the voice becomes more than a communication tool—it transforms into a metaphor for regaining the freedom of self-expression.
