Phonosurgery Techniques

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Phonosurgery Techniques: Basics - Voice Box Tune-Up

Surgery to restore/improve voice, preserving sphincter function & airway patency.

  • Goals:
    • Improve/restore vocal function
    • Preserve glottic sphincter
    • Maintain airway patency
  • Indications:
    • Benign lesions (nodules, polyps, cysts, Reinke's edema)
    • Vocal fold immobility (paralysis/paresis)
    • Vocal fold scar, sulcus vocalis
  • Contraindications:
    • Poor general health; unrealistic expectations
    • Acute laryngeal inflammation
    • Non-compliance with post-op care
  • Pre-op Evaluation:
    • Voice assessment (perceptual, acoustic, VHI)
    • Laryngoscopy, Stroboscopy (essential for mucosal wave)
    • Patient counselling

Vocal Fold Anatomy and Hirano's Cover-Body Model

⭐ Stroboscopy is crucial for assessing vocal fold mucosal wave, guiding surgical planning in phonosurgery.

Phonosurgery Techniques: Microlaryngeal Surgery - Tiny Tools, Big Impact

  • Principles: Endolaryngeal, microscopic visualization for precise lesion removal, preserving vocal fold structure & function. Goal: Restore voice quality.

  • Instruments:

    • Operating microscopes.
    • Suspension laryngoscopes (e.g., Kleinsasser).
    • Long, delicate microinstruments: forceps, scissors, knives, suction.
  • Techniques:

    • Microflap: For cysts, Reinke's edema. Incision, elevate flap, remove lesion, redrape flap.
    • Excision: Nodules, polyps. Precise removal, minimal tissue damage.
    • Reinke's Edema: Cordotomy, suction of gelatinous material, redrape mucosa. Avoid excessive removal.
    • ⚠️ Vocal fold stripping is avoided due to high risk of scarring & dysphonia.

High-Yield Fact: The microflap technique is preferred for intracordal lesions like cysts as it preserves the overlying mucosa, crucial for optimal vibratory function and voice outcome.

Phonosurgery Techniques: Framework & Fillers - Sculpting Sound

Alters VF structure/position for voice improvement.

  • Laryngeal Framework Surgery (LFS): Modifies cartilages.

    • Thyroplasty (Isshiki Types):
      • Type I: Medialization (VF paralysis/atrophy).
      • Type II: Lateralization/Abduction (airway narrowing).
      • Type III: Shortening/Relaxation (↓ pitch, e.g., puberphonia).
      • Type IV: Lengthening/Tensioning (↑ pitch, e.g., VF bowing).
      • 📌 Mnemonic: MALT - Medialization, Abduction, Lengthening, Tensioning/Shortening.
    • Arytenoid Adduction: For posterior glottic gap.
    • Arytenoid Abduction: Widens glottis (bilateral abductor paralysis).
  • Injection Laryngoplasty (IL): VF augmentation.

    • Indications: Glottic insufficiency, VF atrophy, sulcus vocalis, presbylarynx.
    • Materials:
      • Autologous Fat: Long-lasting, variable resorption.
      • Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Durable, less resorption.
      • Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Temporary, diagnostic use.

Left Gore-Tex Thyroplasty and Injection Laryngoplasty

⭐ Type I thyroplasty (medialization) is the most common surgical treatment for symptomatic unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Phonosurgery Techniques: Post-Op & Pitfalls - Healing Harmonies

  • Post-Op Care Essentials:
    • Voice Rest: Absolute for 3-7 days (microsurgery) or up to 2 weeks (framework). Then relative rest.
    • Hydration: Systemic and local (steam).
    • Anti-reflux: PPIs, lifestyle changes to prevent LPR.
  • Voice Therapy Role: Indispensable post-op for vocal hygiene, technique optimization, functional recovery.
  • Potential Complications:
    • Early: Hematoma, edema, infection.
    • Late: Granulation, anterior glottic web, scar, persistent dysphonia.

    ⭐ Anterior glottic web, a fusion of anterior vocal folds, is a serious complication often needing surgical division and stenting.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Type 1 Thyroplasty (Medialization): For unilateral vocal cord paralysis, improves glottic closure.
  • Arytenoid Adduction: Complements Type 1 for large posterior glottic gaps.
  • Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Mainstay for adductor spasmodic dysphonia.
  • Microlaryngoscopy: For excising benign vocal fold lesions (polyps, cysts, nodules).
  • CO2 Laser: Offers precise dissection and minimal thermal damage in laryngeal surgery.
  • Voice Therapy: Vital pre- and post-phonosurgery for optimal functional recovery.
  • Injection Laryngoplasty: Augments insufficient vocal folds (e.g., with fat, hyaluronic acid).

Practice Questions: Phonosurgery Techniques

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following changes in voice is not produced as a result of external laryngeal nerve injury post thyroidectomy?

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Flashcards: Phonosurgery Techniques

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Fenestrations in the tracheostomy tube are important for _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Fenestrations in the tracheostomy tube are important for _____

phonation

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