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Endoscopic Management of Extruding Medialization Laryngoplasty Implants
Author(s) -
Halum Stacey L.,
Postma Gregory N.,
Koufman Jamie A.
Publication year - 2005
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 - 10.1097/01.mlg.0000163342.10412.eb
Subject(s) - medicine , laryngoplasty , surgery , implant , dissection (medical) , silastic , granulation tissue , complication , larynx , wound healing
Background: Medialization laryngoplasty (ML) is a commonly performed procedure for vocal fold motion impairment with glottic incompetence. Although implant extrusion is a well‐known risk of ML, management of this complication is rarely mentioned in the literature. The aim of this study was to review our experience with endoscopic implant retrieval for a group of patients with extruding ML implants. Methods: All patients identified in our institution from January 1989 through August 2004 with a history of ML and extruded implants were identified. Case management was reviewed, including information on presentation, management techniques, and outcomes. Results: Five patients presented with extruding ML (Gore‐Tex [n = 2] or silastic [n = 3]) implants. All patients presented with worsening dysphonia and evidence of fullness and/or granulation tissue at the extrusion site. Endoscopic removal was performed using either sharp dissection or CO 2 laser dissection. After removal, four patients underwent vocal fold injection augmentation. Conclusions: Endoscopic removal appears to be a safe, effective, and even preferred alternative to external transcervical removal in selected cases of extruding implants.