Bilateral arytenoidectomy with lateralisation of vocal folds: review of two cases

We present a review of two cases of bilateral abductor palsy of vocal cords with cords in paramedian position. The aetiology was not clear. As definitive treatment, arytenoidectomy and vocal cord lateralization on both sides were done by external laryngofissure approach. Objective of this review is to emphasize upon the fact that external procedures under direct vision has still a role to play in the era of endoscopic maneuvers. It can be performed successfully even at centers having limited gadgets. The two procedures of arytenoidectomy and vocal cord lateralization were combined to achieve higher success rate irrespective of fixity of cords. Result seems to be at par with other newer surgical modalities.