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Human laryngeal reinnervation: The Northwestern experience
Author(s) -
Applebaum Edward L.,
Allen George W.,
Sisson George A.
Publication year - 1979
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 - 10.1288/00005537-197911000-00011
Subject(s) - medicine , reinnervation , paralysis , cord , vocal cord paralysis , laryngeal paralysis , recurrent laryngeal nerve , surgery , anesthesia , thyroid
Recent publications have reported impressive success with laryngeal reinnervation utilizing a nerve‐muscle pedicle. This innovative surgical procedure is claimed to be useful for unilateral and bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Although the surgical results reported by Tucker have been good, they have lacked corroboration from other centers. We have performed six laryngeal reinnervation procedures at Northwestern University Medical School. Four patients presented with bilateral vocal cord paralysis and two patients with unilateral paralysis. All six operations were successful in restoring vocal cord function. The technique, problems, and results are discussed. Our experience supports the initial reports of success with this new operation.