Vocal Cord Surgery is a medical procedure that addresses the problems related to vocal cords. The vocal cords are placed in the larynx, also known as the voice box. It is a band of two muscles that vibrate to produce sound when a person speaks.
It is performed when the muscles of the vocal cord grow mass like polyps, tumours, or cysts that are required to be removed for biopsy or normal functioning. Dr Anu Goyal is an ENT doctor in Dwarka who is experienced and helps patients with complex vocal cord surgery that addresses all the issues like voice quality, pitch, volume and overall vocal function.
Symptoms that you need Vocal Cord Surgery
If you are experiencing symptoms like excessive pain, bleeding, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, persistent cough and change in the quality of voice, you may consult an ENT specialist and undergo a surgical procedure to fix the issue. You might be experiencing these symptoms because of the following reasons.
● Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal Cord Paralysis is a condition when there is damage to a nerve that results in breathing difficulties, swallowing problems, and voice changes. In this condition, you can go for laryngeal framework surgery or thyroplasty to fix the affected vocal cord and restore normal vocal function.
● Spasmodic dysphonia
Spasmodic Dysphonia is a neurological disorder that is caused by involuntary vocal cord spasms that cause abnormalities in the functioning of voice. To cure this condition, a surgical procedure called cordotomy is performed, which involves removing specific nerves that control the vocal cords.
● Benign Lesions on the Vocal Cord
There are conditions when a mass is formed on the vocal cord, such as a cyst, polyps, noodles, haemorrhages, etc, that disrupt vocal cords to vibrate and produce sounds. In order to restore the normal functioning of voice you can undergo surgery.
Procedure of the Vocal Cord Surgery
Vocal Cord surgery is needed when conservative treatments do not fix the problems of the vocal cord. The different types of surgical procedures that are practised to restore the vocal cord function are discussed below.
● Microlaryngoscopy
Microlaryngoscopy involves the process of a detailed examination of the vocal cords using an endoscope. After this, excision is performed, and a mass of tumour or swelling is removed from the vocal cord. This process is performed using laser or endoscopic instruments.
● Medialization laryngoplasty
This is an external process that helps in remobilizing or bulking up the vocal cords. This procedure is used to treat the most common neurological disorder that is laryngeal nerve palsy that stops one or both vocal cords from functioning properly. To get the paralyzed immobile vocal chord in the proper position or implants may be utilized.
● Reduction laryngoplasty
Laryngoplasty is commonly used to lower the height and protrusion of the Adam’s apple. This surgery is preferred by patients who want a more feminine or even neckline. This procedure is mostly used by transgender patients who want to receive medical care to assist them in changing from male to female on the outside.
Precautions after the Surgery
The patients who undergo a this procedure are advised to take precutions to get full benefit from their surgery. Some precautions are mentioned below.
- Avoid clearing the throat: Patients are advised to try swallowing instead of clearing their throat soon after the surgery.
- Give complete rest to the voice: After the surgery is performed, it is recommended that patients give proper rest to their voices for three days and avoid talking, singing, or even whispering.
- Drink plenty of water: After the surgery, it is common to experience dryness of the throat and larynx. You should drink eight glasses of water to hydrate the larynx and for symptomatic relief.
- Use steam inhalation: Inhaling steam for ten minutes helps to hydrate and moist the respiratory passages and helps in healing the dry throat that causes discomfort.
- Avoid alcoholism and smoking: Post-surgery, the patients are advised not to consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes for at least one week to give the vocal cord proper time to recover completely.
- Voice therapy: After the surgery, it is recommeded to go for voice therapy sessions that improve vocal function and prevent vocal cord strains.
Dr Anu Goyal is the best ENT in Dwarka and she has performed thousands of procedures and has experience in providing exceptional care. With the latest use of technology and techniques, she ensures that the patients receive the best possible outcome. So, if you are looking to improve your voice quality, volume, pitch or overall function of the vocal cord, you must visit Dr Anu Goyal and get the necessary treatments tailored just for you!
