Laser tenotomy and vocal process resection for bilateral midline vocal fold fixation.

Background: The present retrospective study presents the outcomes of a group of 21 patients with laryngeal obstruction caused by bilateral vocal fold fixation. All of these patients were treated by laser assisted muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection - a modification of the technique described by Michael and Eugene Rontal in 1994.1

Methods: Between January 1997 and March 2002 the senior author performed muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection for bilateral vocal fold fixation on 21 patients.

Results: The mean follow-up time was 2.3 years. The technique was successful in achieving an adequate airway and good voice with no aspiration in every case.

Conclusions: Laser assisted muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection is a proven treatment for bilateral medial vocal fold fixation with the provision of a good airway, good voice and the avoidance of aspiration.