Vocal Cord Implant
Treatment Details
- Surgery Duration: 1 hour
- Surgical Approach: Local anesthesia with a 2 cm cervical incision
- Anesthesia: General Anesthesia
- Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (after 4 hours)
- Return to Work: Day 5
- Full Recovery Period: 1 month
- Permanence: Lifelong
What is a Vocal Cord Implant? (Thyroplasty) (Medialization Laryngoplasty)
Vocal cord implant (Medialization laryngoplasty), formerly known as thyroplasty, is a surgical treatment performed for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. By placing an implant in your paralyzed or weak vocal cord, it is brought closer to the other vocal cord. This ensures a better voice quality.
Who Needs a Vocal Cord Implant (Medialization Laryngoplasty)?
Some individuals may experience mild voice impairment due to vocal cord paralysis. These individuals may be able to meet their voice needs without surgical intervention. Your surgeon may recommend surgery if symptoms are severe, life-disrupting, or potentially life-threatening. Generally, if you are struggling to meet the voice demands of your work and life, vocal cord implant surgery is a very effective treatment for regaining your voice.
What are the Symptoms of Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include:
- Chronic cough.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or choking.
- Frequent throat clearing.
- Hoarseness.
- Shortness of breath when speaking or during activity.
How is Vocal Cord Implant Surgery Performed?
Vocal cord implant surgery is a surgical procedure performed in the operating room. Patients are sedated during the surgery. During vocal cord implant surgery to treat unilateral vocal cord paralysis, a small incision is made in your neck, and the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple cartilage) where your vocal cords are located is identified. A small window is opened in this cartilage, and the implant is placed behind the vocal cords through this opening. During this process, your voice is monitored to ensure the implant is placed at the ideal location and size. Is a vocal cord implant permanent? The effect of vocal cord implant surgery is permanent. The implants used during surgery can be made of GORTEX or Silicone. Both materials can remain in our bodies for years. Implants do not need to be replaced, and the surgery does not need to be repeated.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Vocal Cord Implant Surgery (Medialization Laryngoplasty)?
You are often discharged on the same day or stay in the hospital for one night. You will need to rest your voice for a few days, but complete silence is not necessary. You can resume all normal communication after one week. Generally, it is a surgery with minimal postoperative pain that patients tolerate easily.
