J Korean Dysphagia Soc.  2014 Jul;4(2):45-49.

Surgical Management of Dysphagia in Patients with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

• Joo YH

Abstract

Glottal closure occurs during the normal swallow was part of the mechanism that prevents aspiration of the bolus of foods. It also protects the airway from aspiration of respiratory secretions produced by the salivary glands of the upper aerodigestive tract. Glottal insufficiency disrupts glottal closure and therefore puts patients at risk of aspiration. Surgical treatment of glottal insufficiency includes injection laryngoplasty, medicalization thyroplasty with or without arytenoid adduction, cricopharynx muscle dilation, and cricopharynx myotomy. These treatment modalities should be included in the otolaryngologist’s armamentarium for managing dysphagia in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Keyword

Vagus nerve injury; Laryngoplasty; Deglutition disorders; Voice disorders