Abstract
Objective: Evaluate quality of life as well as quality of voice before and after endoscopic injection augmentation with Polydimethylsiloxane (VOX-Implants) for unilateral neurogenic vocal fold immobility.
Method: Prospective study. Evaluation of 14 patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty (VOX-Implants) under general anesthesia. Evaluation of the following parameters concerning the patients voice (preoperatively, postoperatively): glottic closure (videostroboscopic and flexible-videoendoscopic), voice range profile, maximum phonation time, Dysphonia index (according to Friedrich) and Roughness-Breathiness-Hoarseness-Scale (RBH-Scale). Quality of life was assessed using Voice-Handicap-Index (VHI-12).
Results: Postoperatively an improvement was evident in all observed parameters. A sufficient glottic closure during phonation could be accomplished in all patients. The voice range profile increased about 3.65 half-tones. After injection laryngoplasty maximum phonation time was 6.9 seconds longer than preoperatively. The Friedrich Dysphonia-Index was 2.4 before and 1.3 after augmentation. Postoperatively RBH-scale was lower than before the operation. Voice-Handicap-Index (VHI-12), a parameter for experienced voice handicap in private life, could be declined to 15.7 points postoperatively. In our study no substance-associated complications were observed.
Conclusion: Injection laryngoplasty with Polydimethylsiloxane (VOX-Implants) is an effective instrument to improve the quality of voice as well as the quality of life in patients with an unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Polydimethylsiloxane is a safe substance for injection laryngoplasty and provides satisfying results in the reestablishment of patients communication ability.
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