Abstract
Glottic incompetence due to vocal fold paralysis, paresis, or atrophy is a significant and challenging problem in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Over the past 40 years, various techniques have been introduced to bring the vocal fold into better approximation, resulting in improved voice quality. In the early 1970s, augmentation using Teflon paste was the mainstay of treatment for vocal fold paralysis. In the 1980s, the technique of medialization thyroplasty, with or without arytenoid adduction, was popularized in this country. More recently, there has been a renewed interest in augmentation with the advent of newer and better materials for augmentation. This miniseminar will consist of case presentations, brief formal presentations, and open discussion. Various techniques of and indications for medialization thyroplasty and arytenoid positioning will be discussed. The indications and various approaches for vocal fold augmentation and materials available for augmentation will be discussed as well. The focus of this miniseminar will be on the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and outcome.