Chemodenervation of the rat hemilarynx with phenol

In this study, the injection of phenol into the true vocal fold was evaluat ed on a rat model as a possible treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia. A 10% phenol solution was injected into the right true vocal fold. Quantit ative measurement of vocal fold adductory force showed reduction to 35% of the preinjection value 3 months after injection (p < .05). Qualitative eval uation by videolaryngoscopy demonstrated maintenance of the normal vocal fo ld range of motion. Histologic studies showed a transient inflammatory infi ltrate and myolysis, while the vocal fold mucosa and the cricoarytenoid joi nts remained undamaged. Further investigation into the potential use of phe nol for treating spasmodic dysphonia is warranted.