Thyroplasty

Introduction

This is an ENT surgery which is performed to improve the voice of the patient. The improvement is done by altering the larynx or the voice box of the patient. The vocal chords present inside the voice box are changed and shifted to change the voice. It is also called as the laryngeal framework surgery.

Procedure of Thyroplasty

Usually, Thyroplasty is done by making a minute cut in the skin near the larynx. This is done after the patient is given local anesthesia.. A tiny piece of thyroid cartilage is removed and replaced with a small block of silastic. This is a medical grade plastic that pushes the vocal chords to midline. This will improve the vocal chord closure. Next a fiberoptic scope is inserted through the patient's nose. This helps the surgeon in observing the placement of the block.

Length

The surgery is a small one and generally takes 1 to 2 hours. The patient is then kept in the recovery room for observation and discharged the next day.

Side Effects of Thyroplasty

post surgery patient is asked to speak slowly. They are restrained from whispering and shouting. There are no noticeable side effects in this type of ENT surgery. This is very quick and painless surgery compared to the other ENT surgery.