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Immediate Percutaneous Medialization for Acute Vocal Fold Immobility With Aspiration
Author(s) -
Anderson Timothy D.,
Mirza Natasha
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200108000-00002
Subject(s) - medicine , percutaneous , swallowing , surgery , pulmonary aspiration , vocal folds , anesthesia , larynx
Objectives To determine the efficacy of immediate bedside or office percutaneous, trans‐thyroidal injections of a bioabsorbable gelatin material (Gelfoam, Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, MI) to decrease the risk of aspiration resulting from acute vocal fold immobility. Study Design Retrospective review of patients presenting with acute vocal fold immobility and aspiration or high aspiration risk at an urban, tertiary care university hospital. Methods All patients were evaluated by videostroboscopy, functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and objective voice measures. Patients with acute vocal fold immobility and evidence of aspiration on history or FEES were given the option of medialization by Gelfoam injection. Injections were performed percutaneously in the office or at the bedside under laryngoscopic guidance. FEES was repeated after injection to verify improvement in aspiration. Results Eleven patients underwent Gelfoam injection for treatment of aspiration and vocal fold immobility. All were significantly improved on post‐injection FEES study. All patients were returned to an oral diet, avoiding the need for long‐term enteral access. Conclusion Percutaneous Gelfoam injections is a rapid, temporary solution to the common problem of aspiration resulting from acute vocal fold immobility.