Our Summary

The researchers conducted a review of previous studies on the effectiveness of a procedure called vocal fold lipoaugmentation. This is a treatment method for people with glottal insufficiency, a condition where the vocal cords do not close completely, causing issues with voice and swallowing. In this procedure, fat is injected into the vocal cords to help them close properly.

They looked at 31 studies involving 764 patients who had this procedure. The fat used in the procedure was typically taken from the patient’s abdomen, thigh, or face. They were particularly interested in how long the benefits of the procedure lasted, as measured by patient reports and objective findings, as well as whether any additional procedures were needed.

The researchers found that only a small number of patients (1.4%) reported no improvement in their voice or swallowing. In the first year after the procedure, about 11.7% of patients reported that their condition started to regress towards how it was before the procedure. Between one and eight years after the procedure, about 12.6% of patients reported a similar regression.

In conclusion, while the benefits of vocal fold lipoaugmentation do decrease over time, the majority of patients experienced long-term improvements in their voice and swallowing.

FAQs

  1. What is vocal fold lipoaugmentation and who is it meant for?
  2. How long do the benefits of vocal fold lipoaugmentation usually last?
  3. What percentage of patients reported no improvement after the procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient considering vocal cord surgery to discuss with their healthcare provider the option of vocal fold lipoaugmentation as a potential treatment for glottal insufficiency. They may also advise the patient to continue following up with their healthcare provider regularly to monitor their progress and discuss any potential need for additional procedures in the future.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vocal cord surgery include those with conditions such as glottal insufficiency, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord cysts, vocal cord cancer, and other voice or swallowing disorders. These conditions can cause symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, voice fatigue, and changes in voice quality. Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as voice therapy or medication may be candidates for vocal cord surgery.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as hoarseness, voice fatigue, difficulty swallowing, or a weak voice.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ENT) to determine the cause of their vocal cord issues.
  3. Patient may undergo voice therapy or other conservative treatments to try to improve their vocal cord function.
  4. If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, the patient may be recommended for vocal cord surgery.

After vocal cord surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes vocal cord lipoaugmentation procedure, where fat is injected into the vocal cords to improve closure.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort and hoarseness in the immediate post-operative period.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative care and follow-up appointments to monitor their progress.
  4. Patient gradually experiences improvements in their voice and swallowing function over the following weeks and months.
  5. Patient may need additional voice therapy or procedures to optimize their outcomes.
  6. Long-term follow-up shows that the majority of patients experience lasting improvements in their voice and swallowing function, although some patients may experience regression over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  2. How long will the recovery process be, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments after the vocal cord surgery?
  4. How long can I expect the benefits of the surgery to last?
  5. What are the success rates of vocal cord surgery for my specific condition?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or vocal exercises I should do post-surgery to optimize the results?
  7. How experienced are you in performing vocal cord surgery, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  8. Will I need to follow up with a speech therapist or vocal coach after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition, and how do they compare to vocal cord surgery?
  10. What can I do to minimize the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome from the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Luke AS, Logan AM, Gawlik AE, Dion GR. Journal: Laryngoscope. 2022 May;132(5):1042-1053. doi: 10.1002/lary.29802. Epub 2021 Aug 10. PMID: 34375001