Open AccessQuality of Voice and Quality of Life after Injection Augmentation of the Vocal Cord with Polydimethylsiloxane (VOX‐Implants)
Author(s) -
Weber Nathalie Isabelle,
Sittel Christian,
Koelmel JanConstantin,
Stegmann Monika
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811415823a204
Subject(s) - phonation , medicine , laryngoplasty , vocal cord paralysis , surgery , voice analysis , quality of life (healthcare) , otorhinolaryngology , larynx , audiology , anesthesia , paralysis , linguistics , philosophy , nursing
Objective Evaluate quality of life as well as quality of voice before and after endoscopic injection augmentation with Polydimethylsiloxane (VOX‐Implants) for unilateral neurogenic vocal fold immobility. Method Prospective study. Evaluation of 14 patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty (VOX‐Implants) under general anesthesia. Evaluation of the following parameters concerning the patients voice (preoperatively, postoperatively): glottic closure (videostroboscopic and flexible‐videoendoscopic), voice range profile, maximum phonation time, Dysphonia index (according to Friedrich) and Roughness‐Breathiness‐Hoarseness‐Scale (RBH‐Scale). Quality of life was assessed using Voice‐Handicap‐Index (VHI‐12). Results Postoperatively an improvement was evident in all observed parameters. A sufficient glottic closure during phonation could be accomplished in all patients. The voice range profile increased about 3.65 half‐tones. After injection laryngoplasty maximum phonation time was 6.9 seconds longer than preoperatively. The Friedrich Dysphonia‐Index was 2.4 before and 1.3 after augmentation. Postoperatively RBH‐scale was lower than before the operation. Voice‐Handicap‐Index (VHI‐12), a parameter for experienced voice handicap in private life, could be declined to 15.7 points postoperatively. In our study no substance‐associated complications were observed. Conclusion Injection laryngoplasty with Polydimethylsiloxane (VOX‐Implants) is an effective instrument to improve the quality of voice as well as the quality of life in patients with an unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Polydimethylsiloxane is a safe substance for injection laryngoplasty and provides satisfying results in the reestablishment of patients communication ability.