About Thyroplasty
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What is Thyroplasty?
Thyroplasty involves a collection of surgical procedures to treat voice disorders by changing the cartilages of the larynx that surrounds the vocal cords. Thyroplasty helps in restoring the voice after paralysis or altering the pitch of the voice. It is also known as laryngeal framework surgery.
What are the types of Thyroplasty?
- Type I Thyroplasty
During this procedure, the vocal cords are placed near each other to reduce the results of the abductor spasms.
- Type II Thyroplasty
During this procedure, the vocal cords are spread apart by a shim, which separates the vocal cords and does not bring them in contact during the spasms.
How is Thyroplasty performed?
- Local anesthesia along with intravenous sedation is applied on the patient.
- An incision is made on the neck crease.
- The soft tissues and muscles are put apart to reach the framework of cartilage of the larynx.
- Topical anesthesia is applied in the nose and fiberoptic laryngoscopy is performed to view the vocal cords.
- The patient may be asked to speak during the procedure to test the voice improvement while adjustments are being made on the vocal cords.
- Steroids are usually used to reduce swelling, as swelling can make it difficult to make accurate estimates about the size of the implant and placements. Swelling may also damage the airway.
- The incision is then closed and covered with a dressing.
How to prepare for Thyroplasty?
- The patient¡¯s vocal cords are examined.
- The patient goes through voice tests.
- Laryngeal stroboscopy may be performed to study the vocal fold closure and vocal fold pliability.
- The patient¡¯s airway is examined according to the patient¡¯s particular aerodynamic requirements.
- After a thorough examination of the patient¡¯s requirements, the type of thyroplasty needs to be selected.
Duration of procedure/surgery : 1 to 2 hours
Days admitted : 1 day
Anesthesia : Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation
Recovery : - The patient is taken to the recovery room after thyroplasty.
- The dressing should be kept on after the surgery and can be removed the following morning if instructed by the doctor.
- Antibiotics are prescribed to avoid infection.
- The patient will be able to use the voice normally after the surgery site heals.
Risks : - Swelling
- Discomfort
After care : - The patient should limit the usage of voice for a week after thyroplasty.
- Voice should not be strained during the recovery period.
- Coughing should also be prevented.
- The surgery site should be kept dry until it heals. It should be cleaned gently with the prescribed ointments.
- Strenuous physical activities should be avoided.
- Alcohol, narcotic substances, sleep medication and any medication without a prescription should be avoided.
The patient should contact the doctor if the following symptoms occur:
- Breathing difficulty
- Heavy coughing
- Fever that is higher than 101? F
- Palpitation
- Severe swallowing difficulty
- Chest discomfort
- Bleeding, drainage or redness from the surgery site