Autologous replacement of the vocal fold: a new surgical approach for adduction-type spasmodic dysphonia

Many surgical approaches have been developed for the treatment of adduction-type spasmodic dysphonia (SPD). We developed and performed a new type of surgical approach (autologous replacement of the vocal fold). Our new surgical technique increases the advantages and decreases the disadvantages of previous surgical procedures in three ways: (1) It has similar effects to the previous procedures in that it prevents contraction of the thyroarytenoid muscle. (2) It decreases vocal-fold tension, as in framework surgery. (3) It reduces glottal incompetence, as does fibrinogen-glue injection, but it is more suitable because it is autologous. Furthermore, it produces increases in the mass and volume of the vocal-fold body and is also safe because the replacement tissue is autologous. The short-term results appear encouraging in preventing spastic voice while also avoiding vocal-fold atrophy. Long-term follow up will be necessary to determine the actual efficacy. However, this is clearly a possible choice as a surgical approach for treating adduction-type SPD.