Our Summary

This research studied a new technique to treat newborn babies with both vocal cords paralyzed, a condition known as bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP). The study was carried out in Shenzhen, China, and involved four newborn babies who were diagnosed with BVCP within three days of their birth.

These babies were struggling to breathe and needed assistance to do so. The researchers performed a procedure which involved moving and fixing the left vocal cord under the skin. This was done using a specially threaded wire and a needle, all under general anesthesia and monitored with an endoscope.

The results showed that three of the four babies showed improvement in their breathing 2-3 weeks after the procedure and didn’t need a tracheotomy (a surgical procedure to help breathing). Two of these babies could breathe and feed normally when they left the hospital. One of them had a weak sucking reflex but could still breathe normally.

The last baby didn’t improve as much and needed a tracheotomy. This baby also faced several complications and other issues after the surgery.

At the last check-up (around 8 months after the surgery), one baby had full function of the vocal cords and one had partial function, while the others still had paralysis.

The study concluded that this new technique could be an effective and minimally invasive primary treatment for newborn babies with BVCP. Most of the babies who had this procedure didn’t need a tracheotomy.

FAQs

  1. What is the new technique developed to treat newborn babies with bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP)?
  2. What were the results of the study on this new technique for treating BVCP in newborn babies?
  3. What did the research conclude about the effectiveness of this new treatment for newborn babies with BVCP?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing vocal cord surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include resting the voice, avoiding speaking loudly or for long periods of time, staying hydrated, and attending any follow-up appointments scheduled by the doctor. It is important to give the vocal cords time to heal properly in order to achieve the best possible outcome after surgery.

Suitable For

Vocal cord surgery is typically recommended for patients who have conditions such as vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord hemorrhage, laryngeal cancer, or other structural issues affecting the vocal cords. In the case of newborn babies with bilateral vocal cord paralysis, surgery may be recommended if other non-surgical treatments are not effective in improving breathing and feeding. This study suggests that the new technique used in the procedure may be a viable option for treating BVCP in newborns.

Timeline

In summary, before vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing due to vocal cord paralysis. They may undergo tests and consultations with a specialist to determine the best course of treatment.

After vocal cord surgery, the patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the throat, and may need to follow a strict diet and voice rest regimen. They may also need to attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. Over time, the patient may notice improvements in their voice quality, breathing, and swallowing function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:

  1. What is the specific procedure you are recommending for my vocal cord issue?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  5. How likely is it that the surgery will successfully improve my vocal cord function?
  6. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or treatments after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and are there any risks associated with it?
  8. How experienced are you in performing this type of vocal cord surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with a condition similar to mine?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Zhao X, Yan S, Yang H, Li L, Pan H. Journal: Am J Otolaryngol. 2022 May-Jun;43(3):103380. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2022.103380. Epub 2022 Feb 2. PMID: 35256206