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Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy following heart-lung transplantation: three cases of vocal cord augmentation in the acute phase

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

G. E. Murty*
Affiliation:
Newcastle upon Tyne
M. C. F. Smith
Affiliation:
Newcastle upon Tyne
*
George Murty, Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN.

Abstract

Three cases of left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy following heart-lung transplantation are described. In each case, within twelve hours of extubation, the left vocal cord was injected with Teflon, and the paralyzed vocal cord thus displaced to the midline. Effective closure of the glottis was then possible, permitting an adequate cough, adequate clearing of the bronchial tree and minimising the risk of aspiration. Augmentation under general anaesthesia as soon as possible after discovery of vocal cord dysfunction is advocated. Suitable materials for injection are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported series of vocal cord augmentation in the acute phase following heart-lung transplantation.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1989

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