Clinical experience with Gray's minithyrotomy procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic approaches for submucosal vocal fold surgery may limit the surgeon's ability to release scars or to precisely implant filler material such as fat. In 1999, Gray et al described the "minithyrotomy" approach to this region. Technical aspects of this important new technique, clinical indications, and early results are reviewed.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective review and compiled the data of the office records, clinical notes, and videostroboscopic examinations of all of the four authors' patients who underwent this procedure.

RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent 22 minithyrotomy procedures for vocal fold scarring (6), lateralizing scar following polytetrafluoroethylene removal or trauma (5), scar with radiation fibrosis (2), sulcus vocalis (2), or presbylarynx or bowing (6) - bilaterally in 14 operations and unilaterally in 8. There were 13 male patients and 8 female patients, with a mean age of 58.3 years (range, 22 to 87 years). The mean follow-up was 9.1 months (range, 1 to 46 months). After submucosal vocal fold exploration, autologous fat was implanted in 20 of the 21 patients. Postoperative videostroboscopy demonstrated improved mucosal pliability in 19 cases and improved glottal closure in 20 cases. Most patients noted voice improvement. Complications were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS: Gray's minithyrotomy is a highly effective approach for treating vocal fold scar processes, bowing, sulcus vocalis, and, potentially, other conditions.