Laser arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis

Laser arytenoidectomy can be performed via an intralaryngeal approach which preserves airway and voice quality without aspiration. Laser arytenoidectomy is minimally invasive surgery, and a useful surgical procedure for bilateral vocal fold paralysis. CO2 laser arytenoidectomy was performed for 12 cases of bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Recommended methods for this surgical procedure are: 1) Submucous laser arytenoidectomy should be done. 2) To widen the posterior glottis, not only the arytenoid cartilage but also the posterior part of the thyroarytenoid muscle should be removed. 3) Membranous portions of the vocal folds should not be vaporized. 4) The wound should be covered with mucosa with fibrin glue.