Phonosurgery is a surgical procedure that maintains, restore, and improves the voice.
Phonomicrosurgery
Phonomicrosurgery is a specialized form of phono surgery in which ent specialists use microsurgical techniques and instruments to treat abnormalities on the vibratory edge of the vocal fold, thus helping a patient regain or improve voice function.
Phonomicrosurgery can also be used to remove lesions such as vocal fold nodules, polyps, or cysts via the mouth to improve the quality of one’s voice. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia which involves the placement of a metal tube through the mouth to push the tongue out of the way. The surgeon examines the vocal cords under high magnification using a microscope to determine the type of lesion present.
Sakra World hospital has the best ENT doctor in Bangalore providing the best care and treatment you need.
An infusion of saline water is used to identify areas of scarring and allow preservation of the gel-like layer (superficial lamina propria) of the vocal fold. Using an instrument, a small incision is made on the vocal fold to dissect the area of concern away from the normal underlying vocal fold.
There are no incisions made on the neck. The goal is to preserve all normal areas of the vocal fold to achieve the best vocal outcome. The surgery is performed with the help of laser technology.
Usually, patients go home on the same day of the surgery. We have the best ENT specialist in Bangalore who advises the complete voice rest (no speaking, whispering, or other kinds of sound production) following the procedure for a period ranging from one to three weeks depending on the complexity of the procedure performed.
Vocal Nodules and Polyps:
The vocal folds are inside larynx or voice box. When someone talks, air moves from the lungs through the vocal folds to the mouth. The vocal folds vibrate to produce sound. Anything which causes trouble for the vocal folds to vibrate can cause a voice problem.
Vocal fold nodules are benign (non-cancerous) growths that form on the vocal folds. When someone uses their voice in the wrong way, the vocal folds may swell and over time, the swollen spots can get harder, like a callous. These nodules can get larger and harder if vocal abuse continues.
Polyps look like a swollen spot or bump, a blister, or a thin, long growth and can be found on one or both of the vocal folds. Most polyps are bigger than nodules and are also called polypoid degeneration or Reinke’s edema. An easy way to remember is to think of a nodule as a callous and a polyp as a blister.
Signs of Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps
- Nodules and polyps cause similar symptoms. These include:
- Shooting pain from ear to ear
- Feeling a lump in a throat
- Less ability to change your pitch
Causes of Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps
Mostly vocal abuse or misuse causes nodules and long-term vocal abuse can lead to polyps. But polyps can occur after just one instance of vocal abuse, like yelling at a concert. other factors include smoking cigarettes for a long time, thyroid problems, and reflux.
Vocal abuse can occur due to:
Vocal Chord Polyp Surgery:
Vocal cord polypectomy is typically a short daycare procedure. The polyps are often pedunculated unilateral masses located on the vocal cords, they occur from a ruptured capillary in the lamina propria of the vocal cord, resulting in a thickened epithelium over a fibrin stromal matrix.
Newer surgical techniques for polyp or cyst removal are directed to lifting the normal lining of the vocal cord, using fine instruments to remove the lesion(which often comes from deeper layers), and repositing the normal skin lining in its normal place. This technique is called “Microflap Surgery”
Laryngoplasty Phonosurgeries
A term used to describe all forms of laryngeal framework surgery to improve the voice
This is of various types and is used to change the quality of the voice. In various situations, it may be used to pull the vocal cords apart, push them closer, or shorten, lengthen them. These procedures are used to change the pitch or amplitude of our voice
Medialization: used to strengthen the voice in vocal cord paralysis causing breathy voice
Lateralization: Used to open up the airway and improve breathing
Shortening: Used to deepen the voice or lower the pitch
Lengthening: Used to give a higher pitch to the voice
Consult the best ENT specialist in Bangalore if you have any concern regarding your ear, nose and mouth.
