Clinical Experience With Gore-Tex for Vocal Fold Medialization

Objectives/Hypothesis: Present clinical experience with vocal fold medialization under local anesthesia using a Gore-Tex implant. The procedure consists of placing the implant into a pocket formed by dissection of the inner perichondrium of the thyroid cartilage through a small window made in the thyroid ala. Study Design: During 2 years, we used this technique preferentially in 13 of the 16 cases of vocal fold medialization (three patients underwent Teflon injection because of a contraindication to local anesthesia). Follow-up was longer than 3 months in 11 cases (mean, 13 mo). Methods: Vocal result was analyzed by the means of perceptual analysis and by the measurement of jitter factor. Glottal leakage was evaluated perceptually using videolaryngoscopy, and oral airflow was measured during the production of a vowel. In cases with preoperative aspiration, videofluoroscopy was performed. Results: Implantation was successful in all but one patient in whom extrusion of the implant material occurred. In the latter case, the implant was removed and the patient recuperated his preoperative voice without any other complication. In the 10 other cases, voice improvement assessed by perceptual and objective evaluation was satisfactory. Conclusions: Results compare favorably with those of endoscopic techniques using Teflon or collagen and laryngeal frame surgery techniques using silicone or cartilage. We conclude that Gore-Tex implantation is a simple, reproducible, and minimally invasive procedure for management of selected cases of vocal fold unilateral paralysis in the abductory position.     

An External Landmark for the Anterior Commissure

Objective: The ability to predict the level of the true vocal cords based on external landmarks is crucial to the success of many laryngeal surgical procedures. This study examines the reliability of one such landmark on the thyroid cartilage. Methods: Twenty-four cadaver larynges were examined. A pin was placed through the landmark, best described as a small diamond shaped area of color change and surface depression along the anterior midline of each thyroid cartilage through which travels a very small unnamed artery. The endolaryngeal position of the pin was checked with a flexible nasopharyngoscope. Results: In all 24 cadavers, the pin entered the larynx at the anterior commissure, just above or at the level of the true vocal cords. Conclusions: This external landmark reliably predicts the position of the true vocal cords. It serves as a useful adjunct to existing external landmarks used to direct thyroid cartilage cuts in laryngeal procedures.     

The Role of Partial Laryngeal Resection in Current Management of Laryngeal Cancer: a Collective Review

A spectrum of treatment plans and surgical procedures is available for management of early and moderately advanced laryngeal cancer. While the approach of chemotherapy and irradiation, or irradiation alone, followed by total laryngectomy for failure is often employed in practice by present day clinicians, the options of conventional conservation surgery (CCS), transoral endoscopic laser surgery (TLS) and supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) provide a wide choice of treatments that may help attain the goal of cure with preservation of laryngeal function and integrity of the airway. While CCS has been supplanted for many early-stage lesions by TLS and for more advanced stages by SCPL, centres throughout the world have reported favourable results with CCS, which is often modified to include resection of more extensive tumours than was previously possible. During the past decade a number of extended CCS procedures have been developed for management of glottic tumours involving both vocal cords and the anterior commissure, the paraglottic space and with vocal cord fixation, and for supraglottic tumours involving the glottis or hypopharynx. TLS has proved an effective, minimally invasive and functionally satisfactory procedure for management of suitable T1 and T2 glottic cancers, and stage I-III supraglottic cancers. The procedure may be effectively employed in combination with neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy when necessary, particularly for moderately advanced supraglottic carcinomas. SCPL has proven effective in management of glottic and supraglottic cancers of all stages, even with involvement of paraglottic space and thyroid cartilage, provided at least one arytenoid unit can be preserved with clear margins. Invasion of cricoid cartilage is the most significant limitation for this procedure. All three surgical approaches have been employed for irradiation failure, but with greatly increased failure and complication rates compared with the results of treatment of non-irradiated patients. Thus a decision to treat laryngeal cancer initially with irradiation may preclude a satisfactory result from partial laryngectomy should radiation fail. The treatment of laryngeal cancer should be individualized according to the size and extent of the tumour, the age and physical condition of the patient, and the skill and experience of the surgeon with various treatment modalities and surgical procedures.     

Laryngeal fractures treated with titanium mesh fixation

The larynx plays a vital role in respiration, swallowing, and vocal function. Thus, laryngeal fractures that are not appropriately managed may lead to permanent dyspnea, dysphagia, and voice disorders. In cases of laryngeal fractures, surgical repair by internal fixation has been performed with materials such as thread, steel wire, and titanium miniplates. However, thyroid and cricoid cartilage have a complicated morphology, and ossification at each site in the cartilage is not uniform; thus, in some cases it is difficult to perform internal fixation with conventional methods. In this case report, we describe two patients who underwent successful fixation of fractures in their laryngeal cartilage after trauma by using titanium mesh with thread and screws. Since optimal reduction and fixation of fractured laryngeal cartilage cannot be performed with conventional methods in patients with unossified cartilage, titanium mesh may be considered a safe and reliable alternative.     

Laryngeal spaces in the newborn larynx

ObjectivesDistributions of laryngeal spaces are important in understanding their functional significance. However, laryngeal spaces in the newborn larynx are enigmatic.MethodsFive normal human newborn larynges were investigated using whole organ serial section technique.ResultsThe chief newborn laryngeal spaces were the preepiglottic space, the paraglottic space and the cricoid area. They consisted of an areolar tissue area composed of brown adipose tissue (immature adipose tissue) and loose elastic and collagen fibers. The newborn preepiglottic space was immature and occupied a small area anterior to the epiglottis. The epiglottis lied on a somewhat horizontal axis and was partially obscured behind the hyoid bone. The hyoid bone overlapped the thyroid cartilage, partially obscuring the superior thyroid notch. The thyroid cartilage was present close to the hyoid bone and the thyrohyoid membrane ran between the superior surface of the thyroid lamina, and not the anteroinferior, but the posteroinferior surface of the hyoid bone. The preepiglottic space was located anterior, lateral and posterolateral to the thyroepiglottic ligament. However, the preepiglottic space was located anterior to the epiglottic cartilage. As seen in adults, the paraglottic space existed medial to the lamina of each bilateral thyroid cartilage. Each bilateral cricoid area was located along not only the superomedial but also the medial portion of the cricoid arch on both sides.ConclusionsAs the child grows, the preepiglottic space, occupying a small area anterior to the epiglottis, likely grows as the larynx descends and acquires the human adult vocal tract. From the functional histoanatomical point of view, the newborn laryngeal spaces appear to be favored for respiration and maintenance of a protective sphincter for the lower airway over phonation.     

Three-dimensional laryngeal model for planning of laryngeal framework surgery

Conclusion. The three-dimensional prototype model was useful for planning of laryngeal framework surgery. Objective: To discuss the usefulness of a three-dimensional laryngeal model for laryngeal framework surgery. Materials and methods. A three-dimensional laryngeal model was created based on the postoperative helical computed tomography (CT) data of the larynx (case 1) which underwent lateral cricoarytenoid muscle (LCA) pull surgery. LCA pull surgery is a kind of arytenoid adduction for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. A three-dimensional model of case 1 larynx was prototyped using a selective laser sintering method. In case 1, the patient's voice did not improve after LCA pull surgery. The three-dimensional model revealed that the original surgical procedure was not appropriate to obtain optimal arytenoid adduction. According to the analysis of this three-dimensional model, we changed the surgical approach and performed this new refined LCA pull surgery on another patient with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (case 2). Results. We were able to pull LCA precisely in case 2. Three-dimensional CT of case 2 after refined LCA pull surgery allowed the correct pulling of LCA and complete adduction of arytenoid. The postoperative voice improved remarkably.     

Direct pull of lateral cricoarytenoid muscle for unilateral vocal cord paralysis

Conclusion. Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle-pull surgery (LCA pull) is a safe and effective method for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Objective. To evaluate the results of an improved method of LCA pull for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Material and methods. Thirteen patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis underwent LCA pull between April 2003 and January 2004. A small window was made in the posterior lower part of the thyroid cartilage and 2–3 mm in a cranial direction to the lower edge of the thyroid cartilage. The inner perichondrium was carefully removed to expose the LCA muscle. A 4-0 nylon suture placed through the LCA muscle was pulled to adduct the arytenoid and was tied to the anterior lower part of the thyroid cartilage. All cases were treated by LCA pull alone. In all cases, the maximum phonation time was measured and an auditory evaluation was performed using the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain scale. The airflow rate was measured in five cases. Results. Vocal improvement was obtained in 11/13 cases (85%). One of the unimproved cases had cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. No complications were observed.     

Long-term result of the new endoscopic vocal fold medialization surgical technique for laryngeal palsy

OBJECTIVE: The conventional surgical method for a case of unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis with large glottal gap requires an external cervical incision. In the present study, we developed an endoscopic technique of vocal fold medialization that can make the external incision unnecessary. This procedure of autologous transplantation of fascia into the vocal fold (ATFV) was developed for the successful treatment of unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis. However, the method seemed to be effective only for patients with a relatively mild glottal gap. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In the present study, we modified the method of medialization using the ATFV technique to obtain effective closure of a large glottal gap. To overcome this difficulty, an attempt was made to extend the site of transplantation more posteriorly so as to adduct the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage in the body of the vocal fold. RESULTS: This new technique was applied to eight cases of patients with unilateral laryngeal paralysis with severe dysphonia. None of the patients showed any evidence of falling off of the graft. Elongation of the maximum phonation time and a decrease in airflow rate during phonation were obtained with improvement in voice quality in all patients 1 year after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This method, with its less invasive approach, proved to be useful for the treatment of large glottal gap due to unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis.     

Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy after thyroid cancer surgery: a laryngological and surgical problem

Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is one of the most frequent complications after thyroid surgery due to goiter and cancers. A higher probability of this complication occurs after secondary procedure of the thyroid and in malignant cases. The symptoms may differ and depend on many factors. Generally, patients need careful ENT and surgical care including diagnosis and treatment. Four hundred and sixty-six patients who underwent thyroid operation due to cancer were analyzed. The group was composed of 227 papillary carcinoma, 87 follicular carcinoma, 51 medullary carcinoma, and 101 anaplastic carcinoma. Two hundred and fifty-three total thyroidectomies, 82 lobectomies and subtotal second lobe operations, 91 subtotal thyroidectomies, and 40 biopsies (wedge resections) were performed. In all 426 total and subtotal thyroidectomies an attempt to identify the recurrent laryngeal nerves was carried out. For 360 patients (77%) the surgical procedure was primary and for 106 patients (23%) the operation was secondary. Preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopic examinations were performed in all patients. Every patient with palsy underwent special laryngological procedures if needed (tracheotomy, phoniatric rehabilitation, conservative treatment and surgery in lack of improvement). The rate of postoperative vocal cord paralysis was 4.7%. The permanent palsy rate was 3.5%. In 1.2% recovery was observed. Of the 4.7% palsy rate, 3.2% concerned unilateral palsy and 1.5% bilateral pathology. Using the χ² test, no significant differences between the rate of unilateral and bilateral paralysis and between temporary and permanent paralysis were found. On the basis of our material and results, identification the recurrent laryngeal nerves should be mandatory at surgery, thereby avoiding paralysis. Special laryngological procedures and surgical care from the beginning of paralysis are necessary for patients with vocal cord palsy. It allows to diagnose and treat patients with quite good results. Received: 30 May 2000 / Accepted: 21 May 2001     

Progress in Laryngeal Framework Surgery

This paper reviews progress in laryngeal framework surgery since it was first reported about 25 years ago. The success of this type of surgery requires both a basic knowledge of the physiology of phonation, in order to make decisions about the surgical procedure, and surgical skill, in order to accomplish the intended procedure successfully. The main reason for hoarseness is imperfect closure of the glottis, but the second most important reason for hoarseness, increased stiffness of the vocal fold, cannot be corrected by mere medialization of the vocal fold. Laryngeal framework surgery is different in concept from conventional surgery, which is intended to remove the lesion. Controversial points discussed here regarding type I thyroplasty include: (i) whether the cartilage window should be removed; (ii) materials for fixation of the window; and (iii) comparison of type I thyroplasty with arytenoid adduction. A new surgical treatment for spasmodic dysphonia and its results in three patients are described briefly. Surgery for raising the vocal pitch requires further improvement. In the future, laryngeal framework surgery will have wider application in treatment of dysphonias, such as asthenic voice due to atrophy in professional singers or aging, pitch problems in females and gender identity disorder and spasmodic dysphonia.     

Partial laryngectomy with imbrication laryngoplasty for unilateral glottic carcinoma

Treatment options for unilateral glottic carcinoma include radiation therapy, partial laryngectomy, and endoscopic cordectomy. We use partial laryngectomy with imbrication laryngoplasty (PLIL) as a single modality curative approach in a selected group of patients with unilateral glottic carcinoma. PLIL includes a composite resection of the entire vocal fold with its ligament, muscle, adjacent paraglottic tissues, and the adjacent block of thyroid cartilage. A neocord is reconstructed by imbricating the remaining thyroid cartilage strips and covering them with a false vocal fold flap. PLIL provides a rapid recovery of oral/nasal airway and swallowing, excellent voice quality, and a disease-control rate similar or better than other treatment modalities.     

Laser arytenoidectomy in the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis

The introduction of the CO2 surgical laser into laryngeal microsurgery has made resection of the posterior vocal cord together with the arytenoid cartilage possible. Since November 1990, 30 arytenoidectomies, 17 partial cordectomies and 18 bilateral cordectomies as described by Kashima were performed by means of a CO₂ laser in patients with bilateral paralyses of the vocal cords. In this group there were 58 women and 7 men. The patients’ ages ranged from 28 to 71 years (mean, 46.7 years). In one case the operation was performed twice: the right arytenoid cartilage was excised initially and the left arytenoid cartilage was removed in the second procedure. Three patients required tracheotomy before being transformed to the ENT Clinic, Poznañ. The etiologies of the vocal cord paralyses were complications arising from thyroid gland surgery (n = 62), trauma (n = 2) and excision of a bilateral glomus caroticum tumor. In all patients except one postoperative recovery was correct and no breathing difficulties were observed after extubation. In the one failure after operation endolaryngeal scar tissue resulted in glottic stenosis.     

Laryngeal synkinesis revisited

First described in 1982, laryngeal synkinesis continues to play an important diagnostic and therapeutic role following recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. Vocal fold motion impairment (formerly called "vocal cord paralysis"), hyperadducted and hyperabducted vocal folds, and certain laryngeal spasmodic and tremor disorders are often best explained by synkinesis. A closer look at these mechanisms confirms that following RLN injury, immobile vocal folds may be nearly normally functional (favorable), or spastic, hyperadducted, or hyperabducted (unfavorable). This has resulted in a functional classification of laryngeal synkinesis as follows: type I laryngeal synkinesis, with satisfactory voice and airway (vocal fold poorly mobile, or immobile); type II synkinesis, with spasmodic vocal folds and an unsatisfactory voice and/or airway; type III synkinesis, with hyperadducted vocal folds and airway compromise; and type IV synkinesis, with hyperabducted vocal folds, poor voice, and possible aspiration. This classification facilitates the understanding of laryngeal pathophysiology following RLN injuries and promotes a more scientific basis for management.     

Helical CT scanning of laryngeal deviation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate helical computed tomography (CT) scanning in patients with laryngeal deviation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with laryngeal deviation and three control subjects underwent helical CT. The laryngeal deviation was idiopathic in one patient and acquired in four. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the laryngeal cartilages and bones, 3D airway surface models, and sequential coronal and axial images were reconstructed for assessment. RESULTS: The thyroid cartilage was inclined and twisted to the right in three patients, inclined to the right and twisted to the left in one patient, and inclined to the left and twisted to the right in one patient. The infero-posterior part of the thyroid cartilage, and the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages were shifted to the left in four patients. The vocal cords were at the level of C4 approximately C4/C5 in two patients, C4/C5 in one, C4/C5 approximately C5 in one, and C5 approximately C5/C6 in one. In four patients, inclination of the laryngeal cavity to the right may have induced left false vocal cord protrusion. The levels of the two false vocal cords differed in all patients. When the inclination and twisting were corrected on the computer, 3D images of the laryngeal cartilages of the patients became almost the same as those of the control subjects, except for slight deformity of the thyroid cartilage. The width of the right and left thyroid alae was measured on the computer, and was almost equal in all patients. 3D airway surface models of the left hemilarynx resembled those of the right hemilarynx when the angle of view was changed on the computer. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional images of the laryngeal cartilages and bones, 3D airway surface models, and sequential coronal and axial CT scans were obtained using helical CT. This method allows the 3D observation of laryngeal deviation, and viewing of images from various directions on the computer was useful to understand the characteristics of laryngeal deviation.     

Laryngeal mask anesthesia with intraoperative laryngoscopy for identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: A critical step in thyroidectomy involves definitive identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Using the laryngeal mask airway, identification of the RLN can be facilitated by stimulation of the nerve while monitoring vocal cord movement with a fiberoptic laryngoscope. We present this technique as an effective and safe means to identify the RLN during thyroid surgery, with significant advantages over existing techniques in appropriately selected patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: We performed thyroidectomy on 8 patients (13 RLN identifications) in which laryngeal mask airway anesthesia with fiberoptic laryngoscopy was used to identify the RLN. Results are reviewed with regard to postoperative vocal cord function, as well as intraoperative and postoperative courses with laryngeal mask airway anesthesia. RESULTS: In all 13 cases in which the RLN was sought, it was definitively identified by witnessing brisk vocal cord movement on a video screen with stimulation of the RLN. No patient had postoperative vocal cord paresis or paralysis. Overall recovery from laryngeal mask airway anesthesia was uneventful and had advantages when compared with general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal mask airway anesthesia with intraoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy to identify the RLN is effective and safe in carefully selected patients. Advantages include decreased postoperative throat discomfort, absence of coughing during emergence from anesthesia, and elimination of the possibility of vocal cord mobility impairment secondary to RLN ischemia from the endotracheal tube balloon. In addition, this technique is applicable in operations besides thyroid surgery, in which definitive identification of the RLN is indicated.     

Chondronecrosis of the larynx following use of the laryngeal mask airway

This case describes the development of laryngeal chondronecrosis after use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA). A 69‐year‐old male with prior laryngeal irradiation underwent total knee replacement with general anesthesia via LMA. Postoperatively, he developed laryngeal chondronecrosis, bilateral vocal fold immobility, and aspiration, necessitating tracheostomy and gastrostomy placement. He improved with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, intravenous antibiotics, and endoscopic repair of a residual fistula. Vocal fold motion returned and he was decannulated. Chondronecrosis of the larynx may occur with the use of the LMA, and caution should be used in patients with a history of prior laryngeal irradiation. Laryngoscope, 125:946–949, 2015     

Three-Dimensional Endoscopic Mode for Observation of Laryngeal Structures by Helical Computed Tomography

We produced high-quality three-dimensional (3D) endoscopic images of the larynx using helical scanning computed tomography. Subjects included two normal volunteers and 10 patients: five with laryngeal cancer, four with unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, and one with atrophied vocal folds. Two vertically split hemilaryngeal images were displayed together with the oral and tracheal views. Although motion artifacts were seen in four patients, laryngeal structures including the vocal fold, ventricular fold, and ventricle were clearly identified in all subjects. In the patients with cancer, axial images showing the extent of the tumor in each patient provided more information than 3D endoscopic images. In the patients with RLN palsy and atrophied vocal fold, combination of 3D endoscopic and cross-sectional images offered more diagnostic information than axial images alone.     

Computed tomographic assessment of the causal factors of unsuccessful medialization thyroplasty

Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that a small implant size, undercorrection of the vocal fold, antero-posterior implant malposition, and the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are the primary factors that cause a poor outcome of medialization thyroplasty (MT). Objectives: To assess the postoperative laryngeal condition using computed tomography (CT) in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent MT alone, and to identify the primary causal factors in terms of the surgical procedures that affect the outcomes of MT. Methods: Twenty-two patients who underwent MT alone were divided into two groups based on either the maximal phonation time or the perceived vocal breathiness. Two laryngologists assessed the postoperative laryngeal CT images during sustained vowel phonation and judged whether there were abnormalities of the arytenoid cartilage position, window position, implant size, and implant position, as well as the degree of correction of the vocal fold. As implant material, a silicone block, ePTFE, and hydroxyapatite had been inserted in 2, 9, and 11 patients, respectively. Comparisons of the prevalence of abnormalities in the abovementioned factors between the different outcomes and between the types of material used for the implant were performed. Results: Twelve patients with a poor outcome and 10 with a good outcome showed 36 and 18 abnormal findings identified by either of the two laryngologists, respectively. In the poor outcome group, a smaller implant size and undercorrection of the vocal fold showed both high kappa values and a significantly higher prevalence than those in the good outcome group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), respectively. The comparison between material types demonstrated that the sheet-like material (ePTFE) group exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of undercorrection than the block-like material group (p < 0.05).     

Etiología y tratamiento de la parálisis laríngea: estudio retrospectivo de 108 pacientes

ObjectivesTo review the aetiology and treatment of laryngeal paralysis diagnosed at our hospital and to describe the available therapeutic options.MethodsRetrospective review of medical records of 108 patients diagnosed with unilateral and bilateral vocal fold paralysis between 2000 and 2012, identifying the cause of paralysis and its treatment.ResultsOf the 108 cases analysed, 70% had unilateral vocal fold immobility and 30% bilateral immobility. The most frequent aetiology in both cases was trauma (represented mainly by surgical injury), followed by tumours in unilateral paralysis and medical causes in bilateral paralysis. Half of the patients with unilateral paralysis (38) were treated surgically, with medialization thyroplasty. In bilateral vocal fold immobility, the treatment consisted of tracheostomy in patients with threatened airway (40%). We planned to widen the air passage in 9 patients (27%), performing cordectomy in most of them.ConclusionsThe aetiology observed in our patients is similar to that described in the literature. In cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis, we believe thyroplasty is the procedure of choice. In bilateral paralysis, it is possible to perform cordectomy in selected patients once the airway has been secured.     

“Early” vocal cord laterofixation for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord immobility

Objectives: Vocal cord immobility (VCI) is commonly caused by a nonlaryngeal malignancy, thyroid surgery, or a presumed viral insult etc. The paralysis is often transient or temporary, thus the care of the patient should be optimized to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic endeavours. This article reports on the result of the concept of early vocal cord laterofixation, which provides a minimally invasive solution to dyspnea in the critical early, potentially reversible, period of bilateral VCI. Study design: A prospective study of 25 consecutive patients (ages 33 to 81 years) who were diagnosed with a bilateral VCI. This condition had developed after thyroid surgery in 22 of the patients and after a blunt trauma of the neck in one case. In another case, a cricoarytenoid joint fixation was revealed, and aetiology remained unknown in one further patient. Methods: The surgical procedure was performed endoscopically with a modification of Lichtenberger’s endo-extralaryngeal suture lateralization technique. The abducted vocal cord position was achieved by inserting a non-resorbable thread around the vocal process and tying on to the prelaryngeal muscles. Regular spirometric measurements and radiological aspiration tests were conducted on the patients. Results: Adequate postoperative airway was achieved in all patients except one. Significant spontaneous vocal cord medialization was observed in two cases within a year and in three patients in the second and the third year. Partial or complete vocal cord recovery was observed in 17 cases. Further voice improvement followed in 9 patients when the threads were removed, due to vocal cord medialization or recovery. The mild postoperative aspirations ceased in the first postoperative days in all cases except one. Conclusions: The concept of “early” laterofixation satisfies the important criteria: it can provide an immediate and long-lasting adequate airway, and it can be considered potentially reversible from the point of view of laryngeal functions. Thus the procedure is a reliable primary treatment for bilateral VCI. Received: 11 May 2001 / Accepted: 28 May 2001