Functional remobilization evaluation of the paralyzed vocal cord by end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of end-to-side neurorrhaphy to treat vocal cord paralysis. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study evaluating the effects of end-to-side neurorrhaphy to treat vocal cord paralysis by means of fiberoptic laryngoscopy and nerve electromyography. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into experimental group 1, experimental group 2, and a control group randomly. Right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was incised, and the distal end of the RLN was anastomosed to the right phrenic nerve by end-to-side neurorrhaphy in experimental group 1 or by end-to-end nerve anastomosis in experimental group 2, respectively. The adductor nerve branch of the right RLN was incised and anastomosed to the proximal end of the right ansa cervicalis nerve by end-to-end nerve anastomosis. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy and nerve electromyography were used to examine the vocal cord movement and nerve regeneration. RESULTS: Three months after operation, this effect of end-to-side neurorrhaphy created a significant difference compared with the end-to-end nerve anastomosis (P < .05). The end-to-side neurorrhaphy did not lead to vocal cord movement compared with end-to-end nerve anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Vocal cord paralysis cannot be treated by this microsurgical technique.