Effects of percutaneous injection laryngoplasty on voice and swallowing problems in cancer‐related unilateral vocal cord paralysis

Abstract Background Unilateral vocal cord paralysis may result from nerve compression by tumors or direct nerve injuries during tumor resections, which can cause dysphonia or dysphagia, and reduced quality of life. Objectives This prospective, single‐group study aimed to investigate the effect of percutaneous injection laryngoplasty on voice and swallowing function in patients with cancer‐related unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Methods Patients underwent percutaneous injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid under local anesthesia. Stroboscopy and videofluoroscopic swallowing study were conducted to evaluate the voice‐ and swallowing‐related outcome measures, respectively. The participants were evaluated before injection laryngoplasty, as well as after two weeks and three months. Results Injection laryngoplasty significantly improved the glottal gap, vocal fold position, Maximum Phonation Time, and Voice Handicap Index‐10. Post‐hoc analysis using Bonferroni correction showed that the improvements occurred within two post‐treatment weeks and remained at three post‐treatment months. In the subgroup analysis, the patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty within 8 weeks from onset showed significantly higher improvements in the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale and swallowing function than the patients who received the procedure after 8 weeks or more. Conclusion Percutaneous injection laryngoplasty improves glottal closure and voice in patients with cancer‐related unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Early injection laryngoplasty may lead to greater benefits on swallowing function. Level of Evidence 4.