Vocal Cord Surgery

What is Larynx?

The larynx, or voice box, is a vital organ in the body that is essential for voice production. It is located at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and is connected to the hyoid bone in the neck. It contains the vocal cords or folds that vibrate when air passes through them producing sound waves. Though the primary function of the larynx is to produce voice it also plays an important role in respiration. The opening between the vocal cords called the glottis, regulates airflow into and out of the lungs. While swallowing the larynx moves upwards closing the opening to the trachea or the windpipe, preventing food or liquids from entering the lungs. The larynx is thus important for the normal functioning of the body.

Different Types Of Vocal Cord Surgeries

Different types of vocal cord surgeries include:

• Vocal Cord Polyp or Nodule Removal: Vocal cord nodules or polyp removal is surgery to take out benign (not cancer) growths on the vocal cords.
• Vocal Cord Injection: Here, substances like collagen or hyaluronic acid are injected into the vocal cords to treat vocal cord paralysis or to change the shape of the vocal cord for voice improvement.
• Vocal Cord Laser Surgery: This is a surgery where precise cutting, removal, and ablation of abnormal tissue or lesions on the vocal cords is done with a laser. Often performed for early-stage vocal cord cancer.
• Vocal Cord Microflap Surgery: Vocal Cord Microflap Surgery is a very delicate surgical technique to repair small areas of vocal cord damage, such as scars or lesions while preserving vocal function.
• Vocal Cord Reinnervation:  This is a surgical intervention for connecting nerves from other areas of the body to restore movement and function to the paralyzed vocal cords
• Vocal Cord Augmentation: Vocal cord paralysis or atrophy is often treated with implants or grafts placed in the vocal cords to enhance vocal cord closure and voice quality.
• Vocal Cord Medialization: This method involves implanting materials to push a paralyzed or weak vocal cord toward the midline, improving vocal cord closure and voice quality.
• Thyroplasty: Here the position of the laryngeal cartilage is altered to improve vocal cord closure and enhance voice quality. It is used most commonly in cases of vocal cord paralysis or weakness.

The complexity of these surgeries can vary depending on the specific condition addressed and are tailored to each patient. 

Recovery and Outlook After a Vocal Cord Surgery

Recovery and outlook after a vocal cord surgery are:

• Initial Healing Phase: Following surgery, patients endure a phase of recuperation and rest during which the vocal cords heal.
• Vocal Rest: Vocal rest is generally advised to minimize strain on the vocal cords and to accelerate healing.  
• Follow-Up: Consistent follow-up appointments with the surgeon are necessary to track the progress in healing and address any issues that may arise.
• Voice Therapy: Engaging in speech therapy helps in optimizing voice function and reduces the likelihood of future issues.
• Gradual Return to Normal Activities: Gradually resuming normal activities, including speaking, singing, and exercising, as tolerated and directed by the healthcare provider.
• Long-Term Expectations: With good care and adherence to after-surgery instructions, most patients experience an improvement in voice function and quality of life after surgery.

In conclusion, vocal cord surgery can be a difficult process, especially the rehab after the surgery. The patient needs to be aware of the outcomes of the surgery and also, the proper care of the vocal cords. Rehabilitation is the most important aspect of this surgery because that is basically like training the patient to speak all over again.

Risks/Benefits of a Vocal Cord Surgery

Benefits:

• Improved voice function and quality.
• Relief from symptoms associated with voice problems, such as hoarseness, and difficulty speaking.
• Elimination of structural deformities that interfere with vocal cord function.
• Enhanced vocal projection and endurance.
• Increased self-confidence and a better quality of life.

Risks:

• There is the possibility of vocal cord scarring or injury. 
• Temporary or permanent voice changes may occur.
• Possible risks from anesthesia.
• The possibility that the desired results won’t be achieved and additional procedures will be necessary.

Patients need to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare providers, ensure that physicians have experience with vocal cord surgery, and find a speech-language pathologist with experience in the shared treatment that can also be a big help.