Summary
Introduction
We believe that our new procedure offers a useful external approach to anterior vocal
fold plication. Vocal cord shortening by laryngomicrosurgery (LMS) involves plication
of the anterior commissure, but this difficult procedure requires high-level skills.
Dehiscence of the plicated location may occur postoperatively.
Methods
In the present case, we applied an innovative procedure combining vocal cord shortening
by LMS with cervical incision. This facilitated plication, and no postoperative dehiscence
was encountered.
Results
Speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) was 110 Hz at the first visit, 170 Hz after type
4 thyroplasty, 167 Hz after thyroarytenoid muscle myectomy, and 208 Hz after the present
procedure, representing a good outcome.
Conclusions
This procedure could be useful when the SFF is not sufficiently raised by existing
procedures. The risk of postoperative dehiscence of the plicated location is low compared
with LMS.
Case details
The patient consulted with a major complaint of low vocal pitch. At the first visit,
SFF was 110 Hz, suggesting a male voice. In April 201X, type 4 thyroplasty was performed
and successfully raised SFF to 170 Hz. As the patient did not readily pass as a woman,
thyroarytenoid muscle myectomy was performed in February 201X +1 but only achieved
an SFF of 167 Hz, which was considered unsatisfactory. As a result, the procedure
was performed again in September 201X +1.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 01, 2018
Accepted:
March 13,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
