Vocal cord surgery: procedures, side effects and tips for their recovery

The vocal cords are muscle tissue in the throat that plays an important role in producing sound. The human vocal cords can experience interference due to the causes of sore throat. In serious conditions, vocal cord disorders can only be corrected through surgical procedures. If you are advised by your doctor to perform vocal cord surgery, make sure you understand the function, procedure, and recovery process.

When is it necessary to do vocal cord surgery?

The vocal cords are the two folds of muscle that are located in the voice box (larynx). This tissue functions to produce sound from the flow of air out of the lungs.

Everyone's vocal cords are different in shape and size. When air flows in the voice box, the vocal cords will vibrate and produce a person's distinctive voice.

Unfortunately, the vocal cords are not always in good shape. This human voice-producing device can experience interference, just like other parts of the body.

The disorders that are experienced generally come from problems in the throat, one of which is laryngitis. In mild laryngitis, vocal cord disorders and mild symptoms, such as pain when swallowing can be treated with medication and natural remedies at home.

However, you may need vocal cord surgery if there is a serious problem, especially if your voice is lost.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, there are several conditions that affect the vocal cords and require surgical treatment to restore function, such as:

• Laryngitis which causes severe to chronic symptoms
• Vocal cord polyps and nodules
• Vocal cord paralysis. A condition in which the vocal cords are unable to move and produce sound which can be caused by injury, stroke, tumors, laryngeal or thyroid cancer, neurological disorders, and viral infections.

What are the types of surgery for the vocal cords?

Vocal cord surgery is another tissue surgical procedure that interferes with voice production. There are two common procedures used to dissect the vocal cords. The difference between the two lies in the operation process.

The first procedure, surgery is usually performed directly using open surgery or making an incision in the neck. Meanwhile, another procedure is performed indirectly, namely by endoscopy. Endoscopy does not involve open surgery, but through a tube that is inserted into the mouth and throat.

Open surgery of the vocal cords allows easier control of the vocal cords, as they can be directly opposite the vocal cords.

Meanwhile, the endoscopy procedure allows closer observation so that the removal of abnormal tissue in the vocal cords is more accurate.

Both of these procedures are performed under general anesthesia, so you will be unconscious during the operation.

Several types of surgery are usually performed to treat disorders of the vocal cords, including:

1. Microlaryngoscopy

Microlaryngoscopy can be used to diagnose damage to the vocal cords or in surgery.

This type of surgery is performed using a microscope tube (laryngoscope) with a video camera that is inserted through the mouth into the vocal cords.

This is done in order to get a closer look at the condition of the vocal cords. This procedure is very helpful in the process of removing or scraping abnormal tissue, such as polyps or nodules in the vocal cords.

2. Medialization laryngoplasty

Medialized laryngoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to enlarge the folds of the vocal cords. The procedure is performed by placing an implant in the larynx to correct the position of the vocal cords.

Sometimes, patients undergoing laryngoplasty need to have a second operation to re-position the implant in the voice box.

This surgery is more often performed to treat vocal cord disorders caused by neurological problems, such as paralysis of the laryngeal nerve that interferes with the function of one or both folds of the vocal cords.

3. Reposition of the vocal cords

Repositioning of the vocal cords aims to improve the position or reshape the folds of the vocal cords to improve the sound production function. This procedure is usually performed when the vocal cords are damaged.

This surgical recovery takes 6-9 months until the vocal cords return to work optimally. To get more effective results, this procedure can be complemented by methods bulk injection .

4. Bulk injection

This procedure requires the doctor to inject a fluid consisting of fat, collagen, or other special substances into the vocal cords.

Bulk injection is an operation performed for the condition of the vocal cords muscles that experience shrinkage and paralysis.

The injected fatty liquid can position the vocal cords closer to the center of the voice box so that the paralyzed vocal cords can move again when you speak, swallow, or cough.

What are the risks or side effects of vocal cord surgery?

Not much different from other surgical procedures, vocal cord surgery can also have its own risks, for example:

• Injury to the vocal cords
• Permanent change to sound
• Numb tongue due to pressure from the larynx (usually returns within a few weeks after surgery)
• Infection (rarely occurs when the operation is performed sterile)
• Risks from anesthesia such as cardiac arrest and drug reactions (very rare)

The side effects of surgery are not always experienced by everyone. Over time the sound can return to normal, especially if you also routinely do sound therapy. This method can increase the strength and flexibility of the vocal cords as well as the ability to regulate the in and out of air.

However, you need to consult a doctor immediately if any unusual changes occur after weeks of vocal cord surgery.

The recovery process after the vocal cords are operated on

To speed up the healing process, the doctor will recommend some important treatment steps for postoperative recovery.

The following are ways that can be done to optimize the function of the vocal cords after surgery:

• Complete rest for approximately the first three days after surgery.
• During your breaks, try to work on your vocal cord skills by trying talking or doing voice therapy.
• Increase fluid intake for the body to avoid dry throat so that it recovers quickly.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol because cigarettes can damage the vocal cords. In addition, also avoid exposure to cigarette smoke or air pollution that can be inhaled in the environment around you.

Vocal cord surgery is useful for restoring the ability of the vocal cords to be disrupted due to certain diseases or conditions. There are several types of surgery that are tailored to the cause and degree of damage to the vocal cords.

There are risks from surgery, but it depends on the severity of the damage. It is best if you consult with your doctor to find out if the procedure performed has any benefits that outweigh the risks.