Radiosurgery in the treatment of laryngeal abductor paralysis

Abductor true vocal cord paralysis is a complex condition that requires the surgeon to perform an emergency tracheotomy to eliminate the symptom of dyspnea. Throughout the past 20 years, corrective surgery has reverted to techniques using external or endoscopic techniques. For 5 years now, we have used high frequency radiosurgery by Ellman to treat various ENT conditions in our clinic. The experience we have gained has encouraged us to use this method in endoscopic surgery as well, in the treatment of laryngeal abductor paralysis under suspension microlaryngoscopy. Twelve patients were examined between 1999 and 2002. Diagnosis was performed through flexible fiberoptic videolaryngoscopy. After describing the surgical procedure performed, we underline the advantages of radiosurgery in the treatment of abductor paralysis of the larynx.