RT - Journal TY - JOUR A1 - Mohammed, G A1 - Kirfi, A A1 - Gazali, B A1 - Ahmad, B T1 - Endoscopic suture lateralization of vocal cord with eyelet needle in patients with bilateral abductor paralysis YR - 2020/7/1 JF - Archives of International Surgery JO - Arch Int Surg SP - 91 OP - 94 VO - 10 IS - 3 UL - https://www.archintsurg.org/article.asp?issn=2278-9596;year=2020;volume=10;issue=3;spage=91;epage=94;aulast=Mohammed;t=5 DO - 10.4103/ais.ais_43_20 N2 - Background: Vocal cord paralysis refers to absent or reduced function of vagus nerve or its distal branch, the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Several surgical procedures have been proposed for the management of respiratory distress secondary to bilateral vocal cord paralysis that are aimed at restoring glottic lumen sufficient to guarantee adequate breathing through the natural airway, without tracheotomy and preserving an acceptable voice quality. We aimed to present our experience in surgical management of bilateral abductor paralysis using endoscopic suture lateralization of vocal cord with eyelet needle. Patients and Method: A prospective study of all consenting patients presenting with bilateral abductor paralysis managed from November, 2010 to December, 2018 in National Ear Care Centre Kaduna, Nigeria. Ethical approval was obtained from the institution's Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC). All patients were evaluated by taking detailed history, thorough clinical examination including flexible endoscopy and investigations. Eleven patients underwent endoscopic suture lateralization using proline 0 suture. Results: Thyroid surgery was the main etiology, 8 out of a total of 11 that underwent lateralization procedure had tracheostomy elsewhere for duration of 1 to 2 years prior to presentation. All tracheostomized patients were successfully decannulated within 2 weeks after the procedure and final voice quality was subjectively good. None had any complications after surgery. Conclusion: Endoscopic suture lateralization with eyelet needle is reversible; less invasive cost-effective technique that ensures stable airway and preservation of laryngeal sphincter with acceptable quality of voice especially in a resource constrained setting where laser is not available. ER -