Quantification of voice enhancement after vocal cord augmentation with autologous abdominal fat in unilateral vocal cord palsy

Indroduction Unilateral vocal cord palsy is associated with a therapy-requiring hoarseness. If a logopedic voice therapy does not provide sufficient benefit, voice enhancement can be achieved by vocal cord augmentation with autologous abdominal fat. We collected subjective and objective parameters both pre- and postoperatively to quantify the improvement of the voice by vocal cord augmentation.

Methods We examined all patients (n = 11) who underwent vocal cord augmentation with autologous fat in unilateral vocal cord palsy in the years 2017 to 2019. In each case, before, as well as 2-3 months after surgery, a detailed voice assessment was carried out. At both times, the maximum tone duration, the maximum intensity (dB) and the Dysphonia Severitiy Index were determined. As a subjective measure of voice quality, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-9i) was queried.

Results ue to the vocal fold augmentation, the maximum tone duration increased on average from 7.1 to 11.9 seconds. The maximum possible volume improved from 77 dB to 86.6 dB. The Dysphonia Severity Index rose from -6.9 to 0.8. The number of points in the VHI-9i decreased from 27.6 to 14.9 after surgery.

Conclusion Vocal fold augmentation improved all the parameter parameters studied. The subjective assessment of the voice also improved in all patients examined. Our Results indicate that vocal cord augmentation with autologous fat is an appropriate option to improve the voice and quality of life of our patients.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020