Late displacement of a Montgomery thyroplasty implant following endotracheal intubation

OBJECTIVES: We document a late displacement of a thyroplasty implant following endotracheal intubation. METHODS: A 66-year-old man was referred to our clinic with a chief complaint of breathy dysphonia immediately following an elective inguinal hernia repair under general endotracheal anesthesia. The patient's medical history was significant for a medialization laryngoplasty with a Montgomery implant 14 years earlier. RESULTS: Examination and computed tomographic scanning of the neck confirmed displacement of the implant. The patient underwent revision medialization laryngoplasty with successful restoration of his voice quality. CONCLUSIONS: This case report illustrates a potential complication of endotracheal intubation in patients who have previously undergone vocal fold medialization procedures.