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Long-term results in patients after combined laser total arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy for bilateral vocal cord paralysis

  • Laryngology
  • Published:
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Abstract

The problem of ventilation efficiency after total laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy due to bilateral vocal cord paralysis is discussed. There are a number of views on the usefulness and efficacy of different surgical procedures aimed at widening the glottis, but the studies concerning the long-term functional results are still lacking. The objective of the study is to evaluate the durability of ventilation results in patients after laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy based on the comparison between the early postoperative results and those assessed after a period of 5 years. Thirty patients (24 females, 6 males) aged between 30 and 80 (mean 58.5) with bilateral vocal cord paralysis after thyroid surgery, who underwent laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy, were analyzed. Ventilation tests were performed immediately after the operation and 5 years later with Body-Master Laab (Jaeger). The actual and predicted values of FVC, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75, PEF, MMEF75/25, AREAEx, sRT0T, RT0T were compared and analyzed. Also, the values of the inspiratory parameters FIV1, FIF50, PIF and the coefficients FEF50/FIF50 and FIV1/FEV1 were assessed. Moreover, subjective evaluation was performed based on a questionnaire. The statistical analysis reveals a significant decrease in FIV1, FIF50, PIF and FIV1/FEV1. FEF50/FIF50 and sRT0T (actual and predicted values) increased significantly after 5 years from the operation. However, the patients did not complain nor was this tendency reflected in their answers to the questionnaire. The probable reasons for such ventilation results are discussed. The role of phoniatric rehabilitation and the time elapsed is emphasized. In general, it can be concluded that laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy is a durable and effective procedure, although the objective assessment does not fully match the patient’s subjective impression.

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Abbreviations

FEV:

Forced expiratory volume

FEF:

Forced expiratory flow

PEF:

Peak expiratory flow

VC:

Vital capacity

MMEF:

Maximal mid-expiratory flow

AREAEx :

Surface under the expiratory curve

PIV:

Peak inspiratory volume

PIF:

Peak inspiratory flow

FIV:

Forced inspiratory volume

FIF:

Forced inspiratory flow

RT0T :

Total resistance

sRT0T :

Specific total resistance

ITGV:

Intrathoracic gas volume

RV:

Residual volume

TLC:

Total lung capacity

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ENT Department, Silesian Medical University, Sklodowskiej—Curie 10, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland

    Maciej Misiolek, Grzegorz Namyslowski, Jaroslaw Kucia & Wojciech Scierski

  2. Pulmonological Department, Silesian Medical University, Zabrze, Poland

    Dariusz Ziora & Jerzy Kozielski

  3. Anaesthesiological Department, Silesian Medical University, Zabrze, Poland

    Hanna Misiolek

  4. Institute of Chemical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Gliwice, Poland

    Krzysztof Warmuzinski

Authors
  1. Maciej Misiolek
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  2. Dariusz Ziora
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  3. Grzegorz Namyslowski
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  4. Hanna Misiolek
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  5. Jaroslaw Kucia
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  6. Wojciech Scierski
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  7. Jerzy Kozielski
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  8. Krzysztof Warmuzinski
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Correspondence to Maciej Misiolek.

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Misiolek, M., Ziora, D., Namyslowski, G. et al. Long-term results in patients after combined laser total arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy for bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 264, 895–900 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-007-0288-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-007-0288-y

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