Abstract
Program Description:
This miniseminar will address workup and surgical treatment of acute and chronic bilateral vocal fold immobility due to neurological and mechanical injury. Diagnostic challenges will be discussed including how to determine the cause of immobility and whether to use electromyography. Options for acute treatment will include observation, tracheotomy, the use of botulism toxin, and endoscopic lateralization. We will explore how to choose endoscopic versus open procedures for chronic disease and analyze how the choice of procedure depends on the age of the patient and the cause of immobility. There will be an emphasis on case studies and audience participation.
Educational Objectives:
(1) Differentiate between neurological and mechanical causes of bilateral vocal fold immobility. (2) Consider the advantages and disadvantages of all endoscopic and open procedures for bilateral immobility due to a neurological cause. (3) Consider the advantages and disadvantages of all endoscopic and open procedures for bilateral immobility due to cricoarytenoid joint fixation or glottal stenosis.
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