Is your voice weak? Let's learn about Thyroplasty surgery

Do you suddenly feel like you're choking when you speak? Or does your voice become very hoarse, weak, and unclear? Do you constantly have to clear your throat and cough? If these things are interfering with your daily activities and work, the cause may be a problem with your vocal cords. Don't worry, today we're talking about a special surgery that can provide a very effective solution to this condition.

Simply put, what is Thyroplasty?

Thyroplasty, now known as Medialization Laryngoplasty, is a surgery to restore your weakened voice. Imagine what would happen if one of the two vocal cords that help produce our voice were to become inactive, that is, if it were to die. The voice wouldn't come out properly, would it?

This surgery involves placing a small implant near the dysfunctional vocal cord, which is on one side, and pushing it firmly to the side where the other functioning vocal cord is. Then, when you speak, both vocal cords start to vibrate together. The result is that your voice comes out clear and strong again.

What is Vocal Cord Paralysis?

To understand this, let's first take a look at the structure of our throat. There is a part of our throat called the larynx. This is what helps us when we speak, breathe, and swallow food. Inside this larynx are two delicate pieces of tissue called the vocal cords .

When we speak, air from our lungs travels up the windpipe (trachea) and passes through these vocal cords. These then vibrate, producing what is called 'voice'.

Now imagine, what if one or both of these vocal cords stopped working properly? That's what we call vocal cord paralysis . Most of the time, this happens to just one vocal cord (unilateral vocal cord paralysis). It's very rare for both vocal cords to stop working, and it's a bit more serious.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

If someone has vocal cord dysfunction, they may experience one or more of the following symptoms. See if you have any of these too.

Who really needs this surgery?

Not everyone needs this surgery. Some people may not need surgery if they have these symptoms and it doesn't significantly affect their daily life.

However, if your job requires the use of your voice (for example, a teacher, singer, or lecturer), or if this condition significantly interferes with your life, your doctor may recommend this surgery.

Causes of vocal cord dysfunction

There is not one reason for this situation, but several reasons may affect it.

• Cancer conditions: Things like lung cancer, thyroid cancer.
• Cancer treatments: Radiation therapy to areas such as the neck and chest.
• Nervous system diseases: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease or stroke.
• Neck or chest surgery: Some surgeries can damage the nerves that lead to the vocal cords.
• Injuries to the neck or chest.
• Autoimmune diseases: For example, myasthenia gravis.
• Respiratory tract infections: This condition can occur after some viral infections.
• Intubation, a tube placed through the throat during treatment for breathing difficulties, can sometimes cause damage.

How is the surgery done?

This surgery is performed by a doctor who has special training in the larynx (laryngeal surgeon). It is usually performed in a hospital operating room.

Before surgery

Your doctor will provide you with the necessary instructions before the surgery.

• You may be asked to abstain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the surgery (fasting).
• If someone smokes, they will tell them to stop.
• You may also be asked to temporarily stop taking certain medications and vitamins.

During surgery

Here are some things that happen during the surgery:

1. First, a small incision is made in your neck to locate the larynx.

2. Then, a very small window -like part is created on the side of the larynx where the inactive vocal cords are.

3. Next, while testing your voice, a special implant, custom-made for you, is inserted through that window , adjusting the inactive vocal cord to exactly the same side as the active one.

4. Finally, the incision is closed using dissolvable stitches and a bandage is applied.

Results, risks, and recovery after surgery

How successful is the surgery?

Many people experience significant improvement in their voice and swallowing ability after this surgery. Therefore, this can be considered a very successful surgery.

What are the risks?

As with any surgery, there is a small risk of infection and bleeding. The incision in the neck may leave a small scar. You may experience a sore throat, a change in your voice, and some temporary difficulty swallowing or breathing for a few days after the surgery. However, these are rarely permanent.

How long does it take to heal?

You can usually go home from the hospital the same day or the next day. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions after you go home for a speedy recovery.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!

If you experience any of the following serious symptoms when you go home after surgery, call your doctor without delay. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• If you have severe difficulty breathing
• If you experience unbearable pain
• If there is yellow fluid or pus draining from the wound, or if you have a fever (these are signs of infection)
• If the area around the incision becomes very swollen (edema) or bleeding occurs

Thyroplasty, voice, vocal cords, vocal cord paralysis, ENT, surgery, hoarseness