[The effects of CO2 laser posterior cordotomy on quality of life in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis].

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the effects of CO2 laser posterior transverse cordotomy on the quality of life in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP). Between April 2009 and October 2011, 14 patients with BVCP who underwent unilateral CO2 laser posterior cordotomy were included. The functional outcome of the procedure was assessed by the changes in the subscales of the Quality of Life Survey (SF-36). Postoperative glottic space and voice quality were evaluated using an arbitrary classification system. There was a statistically significant improvement in all parameters of SF-36 subscales after surgery, except the emotional role functioning and mental health component subscales. No significant correlation was found between the findings of the SF-36 subscales and stages of glottic space. No correlation was observed between the changes in the SF-36 subscales and voice quality. There was a significant correlation between the stages of glottic space and voice quality (p=0.036). The CO2 laser surgery is a safe and effective surgical modality which improves quality of life in the patients with BVCP. It can be also suggested that a considerable amount of tissue ablation is not necessarily required with this surgery and this helps to prevent impairment of voice quality.