Trial Vocal Fold Injection

SummaryRecent developments in temporary vocal fold (VF) augmentation materials and office-based laryngeal procedures have expanded the role of vocal fold injection (VFI). Although already performed in the laryngology community, trial VFI is yet to be defined in the literature. We sought to define trial VFI and to emphasize its concept and clinical utility through a review of our institution's experience. The study design was a retrospective review of our surgical database. All patients who received a temporary, deep VFI were identified. Patients with VF paralysis, resolved paresis, isolated scar, or laryngeal trauma were excluded. Twenty-five patients had the diagnosis of VF atrophy and/or paresis, and were confirmed to have had their injection for trial purposes by chart review. Trial VFI was performed using one of three temporary injectibles. Ten patients underwent further permanent augmentation. Subjective outcome and Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI-10) scores were used as outcome measures. Nineteen of 25 patients had a good or partial response to the trial VFI. Ten patients went on to have permanent medialization. Seventy-five percent of the patients with a good response to trial VFI went on to have permanent VF augmentation. All of these patients had a good result from their permanent procedure. Trial VFI is defined as the use of a temporary injectible to augment the VF when the benefit of permanent augmentation is uncertain. In a review of our patients who underwent trial VFI, those with a good response to trial VFI went on to have permanent augmentation more often than those with a lesser response.