Dos
- Do follow the three-day vocal rest period closely afterwards to support healing
Thyroplasty
A surgical implant procedure to permanently reposition a paralysed vocal cord and restore voice quality.
What is the condition?
Thyroplasty involves placing a small implant through the voice box framework, from the outside of the neck, to permanently push a paralysed or bowed vocal cord into a better position for voice production. It is performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation, so that voice quality can be checked and fine-tuned in real time during the operation. The procedure takes around two hours, and most patients go home within twenty-four hours.
Treatment
What can be done?
A definitive, permanent option for vocal cord paralysis where natural recovery isn’t expected.
- Performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, so voice can be checked during surgery
- Approximately two hours in theatre
- Home within twenty-four hours, with around three days of vocal rest afterwards
Prevention
What should I do?
Don'ts
- Don't expect to be able to talk normally on the day of surgery — a short rest period is part of the recovery plan