Abstract:

Objective: The aim in the surgical treatment of bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis, to restore an adequate respiratory space and to respect phonatory function. Material and Methods: In this study, we report our experience with the Thornell technique for 19 cases with bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis. 16 patients had endolarengeal arytenoidectomy. There patients had partial arytenoidectomy in another medical center and, these patients applied revision surgery (total arytenoidectomy and posterior cordectomy). Results: All patients were decannulated in 7-10 days, (mean 8.5 days). Breathing and voice quality were acceptable in all patients, revision surgery was not required in the mean 3 years follow-up. Conclusion: Although our patient number is small,we obtained adequate respiratory space and acceptable voice quality with the Thornell operation.

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