Granulomas of the membranous vocal fold after intubation and other airway instrumentation.

Objectives/hypothesis: We describe the clinical features of granulomas of the membranous vocal fold secondary to endotracheal intubation, bronchoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Review of cases at a single tertiary institution with evaluation of patient demographic characteristics, time to presentation, time to treatment, and clinical outcomes.

Results: Thirteen adult patients were identified with postintervention granuloma of the membranous vocal fold. All patients were female, with a mean age of 60 years (range, 28-81 years). None noted hoarseness prior to the intervention, and all noted significant hoarseness postoperatively. Conservative treatment with proton pump inhibitors and vocal rest was initially implemented in all patients. Four cases resolved without further intervention. Nine underwent surgical management because of airway symptoms, failure to improve, or patient request. One patient had injury to the contralateral vocal fold upon intubation. None experienced recurrence. Five had complete recovery of voice postoperatively, four did not.

Conclusion: Iatrogenic granulomas of the membranous vocal fold after intubation or other upper airway instrumentation are rare complications presenting in the early postprocedure period with worsening hoarseness. Initial conservative treatment may be sufficient to yield resolution, and surgical treatment is effective for those failing medical management. Permanent voice damage may result from the original injury.

Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:441-447, 2019.