Abstract:

Vocal fold palsies constitute an important part of vocal fold pathologies. The closed position of the vocal folds during phonation and during the protection function of the lower respiratory tract and their open position during respiration are completely paradoxic. Due to this paradoxity, surgical techniques that are used on vocal fold palsies do not completely succeed. Consequently, for a long time several surgical techniques have been used on vocal fold palsies and nowadays therapy searches still continue. During the 10-year period from 1990 to 2000 we treated 15 patients with bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis. The causes of paralysis were thyroid surgery in 73.3% (11/15), partial laryngectomy in 6.7% (1/15) and idiopathic in 20% (3/15) of patients. 53.3% (8/15) and 46.7% (7/15) of patients were treated by Thornell and modified Thornell (Kleinsasser) operations, respectively. 86.7% (13/15) of patients were decanuleated successfully. We consider that nowadays Thornell and Kleinsasser operations are suitable procedures due to their advantages in patients with bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis,

Keywords: