Objective: To explore the clinical value of the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis by tenotomy and vocal process resection with CO2 laser.
Method: Eighteen cases of bilateral vocal cord paralysis after thyroidectomy from March 2004 to June 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative tracheotomy and CO2 laser tenotomy and vocal process resection were performed.
Result: All patients were able to breathe through the mouth and nose immediately after the operation. Fifteen patients were extubated within 8 weeks. Three patients were operated again after 4-6 weeks because of granulation hyperblastosis. All patients were followed up for 1.6 years to 2.3 years without breathing difficulties, aspiration and with satisfactory voice.
Conclusion: The approach of CO2 laser tenotomy and vocal process resection can effectively relieve breathing difficulty resulted from bilateral vocal cord paralysis, achieve satisfactory voice and avoid aspiration.