Injection medialisation laryngoplasty: an alternative approach for challenging cases

Abstract

Objective

Conventional injection medialisation laryngoplasty techniques may be compromised by patient-specific factors such as marked kyphosis, an anteriorly positioned larynx or intolerance to nasendoscopy. This paper describes a technique for successful injection medialisation laryngoplasty where conventional methods are precluded, in an 88-year-old man with presbyphonia on a background of Parkinson's disease.

Methods

After induction of general anaesthesia, a transoral introducing needle, shaped by tactile manipulation to match the curvature of a ‘C-MAC’ intubating video-laryngoscope ‘D-blade’ attachment, was introduced until visible above the glottis. The implant material was then injected into the paraglottic space as normal until satisfactory medialisation of the vocal fold was achieved.

Results

When reviewed in the out-patient clinic four weeks later, the patient's post-operative Voice Handicap Index score fell to 6, from a pre-operative score of 21.

Conclusion

By utilising commonly available equipment and anaesthetic support to recreate the views and access conventional nasendoscopy and laryngoscopy facilitate, this novel procedure provides a viable and proven alternative in uncommon but challenging cases.