Our Summary

This research paper is about a common cause of breathing difficulties in newborns, called Bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI). This condition can happen on its own, due to birth trauma, or be part of a central nervous system problem. In many cases, it can be managed without surgery, but some babies will need surgery if they continue to have issues with their upper airway. The paper talks about a new way to do a specific type of surgery, called suture lateralization, which is less invasive and can be reversed.

The researchers looked at medical records of five patients who had this surgery over ten years. They checked how these patients did after the surgery, especially looking at whether they could eat normally and speak. Four out of five patients were able to return to a normal diet. One patient had a neurological disorder, and continued to be fed through a tube. Three of the five patients regained normal vocal cord function and were able to speak normally after the suture was removed.

The paper concludes that suture lateralization is a safe and effective way to manage upper airway issues in babies with BVCI. The key is to place the suture correctly, which can be tricky. The new technique they describe in the paper helps surgeons locate the right spot to place the suture, reducing the need for multiple attempts, making the procedure less invasive.

FAQs

  1. What is Bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) and how often does it require surgery?
  2. What is suture lateralization and how does it help manage upper airway issues in babies with BVCI?
  3. How effective was the suture lateralization surgery in the studied cases, in terms of restoring normal eating and speaking abilities?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the medical team. This may include avoiding speaking or whispering for a certain period of time, staying hydrated, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. It’s important to give the vocal cords time to heal properly in order to achieve the best possible outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with conditions such as vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules, vocal cord polyps, vocal cord cysts, and laryngeal papillomatosis. Additionally, patients with severe voice disorders, difficulty breathing, or swallowing issues may also be recommended for vocal cord surgery. It is important for patients to consult with an otolaryngologist or speech-language pathologist to determine if vocal cord surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, stridor (noisy breathing), hoarseness, and feeding difficulties. The patient will undergo a thorough evaluation by a medical team, including a laryngoscopy to assess the vocal cords.

After vocal cord surgery, the patient will typically be monitored closely in the hospital for any complications. They may experience some pain or discomfort in the throat, and will need to follow post-operative care instructions such as voice rest and avoiding certain foods. Speech therapy may be recommended to help with vocal cord function.

In the weeks and months following surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their medical team to monitor their progress and ensure the vocal cords are healing properly. Gradually, the patient should experience improvements in breathing, voice quality, and swallowing function.

Overall, vocal cord surgery can greatly improve quality of life for patients with conditions such as BVCI, allowing them to breathe more easily, speak clearly, and eat normally.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process after vocal cord surgery?

  3. Will I need speech therapy after the surgery?

  4. How likely is it that the surgery will successfully address my breathing difficulties?

  5. What are the chances of needing additional surgeries in the future?

  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?

  7. How experienced is the surgeon in performing vocal cord surgeries, particularly suture lateralization?

  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific post-operative care plan?

  9. What is the success rate of suture lateralization in improving vocal cord function and speech in patients with BVCI?

  10. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my breathing and vocal cord function?

Reference

Authors: Speaker RB, Woods-Geyer L, Mehanna R, Russell J. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Jul;158:111159. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111159. Epub 2022 Apr 26. PMID: 35490608