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Voice quality following laryngeal reinnervation by ansa hypoglossi transfer
Author(s) -
Crumley Roger L.,
Izdebski Krzysztof
Publication year - 1986
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 - 10.1288/00005537-198606000-00004
Subject(s) - reinnervation , phonation , medicine , vocal folds , larynx , stroboscope , electroglottograph , recurrent laryngeal nerve , glottis , vocal cord paralysis , anatomy , audiology , surgery , paralysis , thyroid , electrical engineering , engineering
Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury resulting in chronic unilateral vocal fold paralysis has been treated traditionally by implantation of various materials into the paralyzed vocal fold. Although the usage of these techniques, especially Teflon®‐glycerin paste injection, has been clinically established, they do not restore full functionality to the larynx (abduction, adduction, and vibratory synchronization of the vocal folds). Restoration of these functions, necessary for improved phonation, has been achieved at least on an experimental basis by reinnervation techniques previously described. This study demonstrates excellent human voice quality following reinnervation of the vocal folds in two cases using ansn hypoglossi‐recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis. Although the reinnervated vocal fold neither abducted nor adducted, it presented itself in the midline for precise apposition with the nonparalyzed cord. Voice data were analyzed within a single subject experimental design at the following intervals: preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, midterm, and long‐term (3 and 6 years). The data was analyzed by subjective and objective means, including acoustics and electroglottography. Patient selection, surgical techniques, results, and implications are reviewed.