Hj. Rosingh et Fg. Dikkers, THYROPLASTY TO IMPROVE THE VOICE IN PATIENTS WITH A UNILATERAL VOCAL FOLD PARALYSIS, Clinical otolaryngology and allied sciences, 20(2), 1995, pp. 124-126
Unilateral vocal fold paralysis may cause incomplete closure of the gl
ottis and a poor voice. Thyroplasty is a relative new operation to imp
rove the voice by 'medialization' of the paralysed vocal fold. In our
series of 29 patients 24 (83%) were satisfied and 26 (90%) had a bette
r voice. After the operation the voice was louder, clearer and easier
to understand. The dynamic and melodic ranges on the phonetogram were
wider; maximum loudness and maximum phonation time were improved. Ther
e were no complications during the follow-up of 4 months to 5 years. I
n the three patients whose voice was not improved, the vocal fold para
lysis was due to local trauma and scarring.