Medialization thyroplasty for cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Abstract

Objective: To justify the application of medialization thyroplasty in Chinese patients with symptomatic cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). Study design and setting: Retrospective chart review from February 2000 to March 2006. Results: Eighty-seven Chinese patients undergoing medialization thyroplasty for UVFP were included; there were no significant differences between the cancer-related and benign groups in terms of the speech and swallowing rehabilitation outcome and the perioperative complication rate (P > 0.05). The median survival time of cancer-related UVFP patients from the date of medialization to death was 129 days. Age more than 65 years was identified as the only factor for a shorter survival period after medialization (P = 0.040). Conclusion: Medialization thyroplasty restores satisfactory speech and swallowing and has a low perioperative complication rate in Chinese patients with cancer-related UVFP. Postmedialization survival period was also reasonable. Significance: Medialization thyroplasty is a justifiable treatment option for cancer-related UVFP. © 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.