Pharyngolaryngeal Findings after Arytenoid Adduction

Abstract

Arytenoid adduction is a well-known surgical procedure for unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The procedure is associated with the risk of a compromised airway post-operatively caused by narrowing of the glottis due to pharyngolaryngeal swelling. Because of this, a tracheostomy may be necessary. To our knowledge, no previous report has identified the characteristics of swelling after arytenoid adduction. In this study, videolaryngoscopic images of 8 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent arytenoid adduction in our hospital were assessed to determine the peak swelling time and to describe the characteristics of swelling, with special attention given to the following points: (1) membranous portion of the vocal fold, (2) arytenoid, and (3) pyriform sinus. The reliability of the method and the factors which seem to affect the swelling are also discussed. In all patients, pharyngolaryngeal swelling got harder from the 2nd post-operative day and average peak swelling time was noted on the 3rd and 4th days post-operatively. The method was reliable based on a statistical examination.