Objectives: We investigated the long-term results of autologous fat injections for unilateral vocal cord paralysis and laryngofissure and cordectomy defects.
Patients and methods: We evaluated the efficacy of autologous fat injections in 21 patients (16 males, 5 females; mean age 57 years; range 24 to 72 years) with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (n=11) and cordectomy defects (n=10) in the light of computed acoustic analysis, phonatory functions, and videolaryngostroboscopic findings and the effect of injections on swallowing. The mean follow-up was 14 months (range 10 to 22 months).
Results: Voice quality improved in 14 patients. Glottic insufficiency recurred in three patients in the early period, and in two patients in the late period. Phonatory functions showed significant improvement in all parameters except for jitter and functional interference (p<0.05). Videolaryngostroboscopy showed significant improvement in glottic closure, but mucosal waves remained unchanged. Of 18 patients with swallowing disorders, aspiration symptoms improved in 15 patients. Patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis had better results compared to those with cordectomy defects.
Conclusion: Autologous fat injections may be considered effective in patients with cordectomy defects or unilateral vocal cord paralysis.