Fascia implantation with fibroblast growth factor on vocal fold paralysis

PurposeThe purpose of this prospective study was to determine the effect of autologous transplantation of fascia into the vocal fold (ATFV) with controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) in a rat model.Materials and methodsUnilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) section was performed on 15 rats. Ten rats received an autologous fascia implant and gelatin hydrogel with or without bFGF (1 μg) to their larynxes (fascia only, “fascia group”; bFGF + fascia, “fascia + bFGF group”), while the rest underwent RLN transection (“RLN section group”). Four months later, evaluation of the laryngeal glottal gap and histological analysis were performed.ResultsThe glottal gap was significantly reduced in the fascia + bFGF group, and fat volume increased significantly relative to the RLN section. The volume of the remaining fascia in the bFGF + fascia group was significantly greater than that of the fascia group.ConclusionsATFV with controlled release of bFGF may compensate for diminished laryngeal volume in UVFP by reducing resorption of the implanted fascia and increasing fat volume. Our findings suggest that this modality may represent an attractive option for treating UVFP.