Transoral CO2 laser-modified posterior cordotomy combined with plasma ablation subtotal arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis: A retrospective study

Objectives: To investigate the effect of transoral CO2 laser-modified posterior cordotomy combined with plasma ablation subtotal arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). Design: A retrospective study with medical records from 2017 to 2021 in our hospital. Setting: A single-centre study. Participants: This retrospective study included 22 patients with BVFP. They underwent transoral CO2 laser-modified posterior cordotomy combined with plasma ablation subtotal arytenoidectomy in our hospital from 2017 to 2021. Main Outcome Measures: Preoperative and postoperative swallowing and phonation functions were evaluated in all patients. Results: All 22 patients with a tracheostomy were successfully decannulated within 6 months after surgery without subsequent revision operations, and the width of the posterior glottis was more than 3.9 mm in all patients when they inspired. The statistical analysis showed that there was no difference in vocal function and swallowing function in all patients compared to preoperative (p >.05). Conclusion: Transoral CO2 laser-modified posterior cordotomy combined with plasma ablation subtotal arytenoidectomy enlarges the posterior glottis in patients with BVFP, which maintains airway patency without significant worsening in voice and swallowing function.