Effectiveness of vocal fold medialization surgery on the swallowing function of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Objectives Vocal fold medialization surgery is generally considered a phonosurgical procedure for improvement of vocal function in patients with glottic insufficiency. However, the literature describing this management dysphagia limited. This study aims to assess effects on swallowing unilateral paralysis (UVFP). Methods We enrolled 32 UVFP undergoing (medialization laryngoplasty combined arytenoid adduction [ML + AA], 12 cases; injection [IL], 20 cases). assessed aerodynamic including maximum phonation time and mean flow rate evaluate glottal closure status. The Hyodo score determined by flexible endoscopic evaluation Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) were evaluated pre- postoperatively. Results Almost 60% had dysphagia, one-third at high risk aspiration. Aerodynamic parameters effectively improved after IL ML AA. With regard swallowing, both FOIS total significantly found particularly significant pharyngeal clearance. vagal nerve postoperative insufficient showed poor benefits interventions. In recurrent laryngeal palsy, there no differences between AA groups. Conclusion was effective improving most cases UVFP, except those closure. Both an equivalent effect improvement. Level evidence 3b.