Vocal Fold Lipo Injection: New Potentials from Regenerative Medicine

Introduction: Vocal fold lipoinjection (VFLI) has been used in glottal insufficiency rehabilitation, although with inconsistent results due to unpredictable fat resorption. Recent studies demonstrate that platelet-rich plasma (PRP), obtained from autologous venous blood, increases graft stability, stimulating the proliferation of adipose stem cells (ASC). Objective: The objective of this work is to confirm the presence of ASC in the adipose tissue and verify the possible effect of PRP on graft stability and survival. Material and Methods: To this end the abdominal fat samples of two patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who had undergone VFLI were analysed by immunofluorescence, using monoclonal antibodies to specific CD markers, and flow cytometry. Simultaneously the authors searched the published literature, chose relevant references and extracted and systematized the data to make a study protocol for application of PRP on VFLI. Results: The authors confirmed the presence of ASC in adipose tissue. Conclusion: PRP should improve graft survival, enhancing de functional and longterm results of VFLI.