Anterior Dilation for Median fixation of the bilateral Vocal Cords

Abstract

The larynx has three functions to perform; they are, in order of importance to the maintenance of life, 1. respiration, 2, deglutition, and 3. phonation. The presence of the larynx is not usually well perceived regarding its function of respiration, but once its injury results in bilateral medial immobilization of the vocal cords (i.e., bilateral vocal cord paralysis), it can be a very awkward problem to handle.
Common causes of vocal cord paralysis are said to be neck or chest operation, intubation anesthesia, and tumors. However, vocal cord paralysis arising from such causes is unilateral in most cases and may be treated paying attention to phonation alone. In some other cases, however, vocal cord paralysis is bilateral. Vocal cord paralysis of this type is a hard nut to crack for the otorhinolaryngologist.
Various therapies for a respiratory disturbance in bilateral vocal cord paralysis have been described by many investigators. Viewed from another angle, however, this fact may mean that each therapy has both advantages and disadvantages.
This paper describes the technique for anterior dilation which can be performed relatively easily in the treatment of bilateral medial immobilization of the vocal cords.