Selective Section of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve for the Treatment of Spastic Dysphonia: An Experimental Study and Preliminary Clinical Report

Abstract

The experimental and clinical results of the surgical treatment of patients with spastic dysphonia by selective section of the adductor branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve are described. Experimental selective nerve section in dogs appears to retain cordal abduction during inspiration while producing a partial adductor paralysis. Selective section of the recurrent laryngeal nerve has been performed in four patients with 18- to 24-month follow-up. Speech results have been good with maintenance of partial vocal cord motion. No patient has experienced a return of spasticity. We theorize that selective nerve section may decrease the likelihood of the long-term failure that has been seen with complete nerve section by preventing medial fixation of the paralyzed vocal cord.