Injection Laryngoplasty

Injection laryngoplasty is a medical procedure used to improve voice quality and swallowing by restoring the bulk and closure of the vocal cords. It is commonly performed when one or both vocal cords are weakened, paralyzed, or fail to close properly, leading to voice changes and aspiration risk.

Causes

The main cause of vocal cord weakness or paralysis is injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, often due to neck or chest surgeries such as thyroidectomy, cardiac surgery, or trauma. Other causes include viral infections affecting the nerve, tumors pressing on the nerve, neurological conditions, aging-related atrophy (presbylaryngis), and idiopathic (unknown) reasons.

Symptoms

Patients typically present with a weak, breathy, or hoarse voice, reduced vocal volume, vocal fatigue, and difficulty projecting their voice. Swallowing problems, especially choking or coughing while drinking liquids, may occur due to incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Some may also experience shortness of breath or poor cough effectiveness.

Treatment

In injection laryngoplasty, a biocompatible material (such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, or collagen) is injected into the affected vocal cord. This bulks up the cord, allowing it to meet its opposite side more effectively during speech and swallowing. The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, using either a transoral or transcutaneous approach. It is minimally invasive, often done on an outpatient basis, with immediate improvement in voice quality and swallowing function. While some injectable materials are temporary and require repeat procedures, others offer longer-lasting effects. Early intervention can significantly improve patient quality of life.