In-Office Hyaluronate Injection Laryngoplasty as Palliative Treatment for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Voice and swallowing impairments can impact on both quality of life and survival. Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) as a result of distant metastasis can cause breathy voice and aspiration. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a less invasive and effective alternative therapy for UVFP.

METHODS: This was a retrospective review of prospectively enrolled patients at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan. Among a cohort of 177 patients who received intracordal hyaluronate injections, 2 had UVFP from distant metastasis and met the inclusion criteria. Vocal cord motion was recorded by videostroboscopy, and the normalized glottal gap area was measured. Voice quality, defined by speech language pathologists, and swallowing status were compared, and immediate complications after the injection were investigated.

RESULTS: Two patients with UVFP with M1 lesions (both lung) accepted the procedure. The glottal gap area was significantly improved 1 month after in-office hyaluronate injection. Voice quality and aspiration were also improved. No immediate complications were noted in either patient.

CONCLUSIONS: In-office intracordal hyaluronate injection is a safe and effective treatment for UVFP, providing a palliative method to help maintain the patient's voice and quality of life.