New endoscopic laser treatment for unilateral vocal cord paralysis after pulmonary resection
Akaogi, E.; Mitsui, K.; Onizuka, M.; Ishikawa, S.; Yoshida, S.; Inagaki, M.; Dai, Y.; Mase, K.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 32(6): 578-580
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1542 PMID: 8089946 Document Number: 431037
In two patients who had developed aspiration due to left recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during radical resection for lung cancer, low power Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the paralyzed vocal cord was performed through a bronchofiberscope. With irradiation, the paralyzed vocal cords of both patients swelled and became fixed at the median portion of the glottis. Thereafter, aspiration disappeared. Thus, this new application of Nd:YAG laser irradiation is apparently quite useful in treating aspiration due to unilateral vocal cord paralysis immediately after pulmonary resection.