What is a Vocal Cord Injection?
Vocal cord injection (also called injection medialization laryngoplasty) is a treatment for children with vocal cord paralysis (the vocal cords do not move) or dysphonia (weak or soft voice). A material is injected into one of the vocal cords to add bulk and bring the vocal cord closer to the center.
What is the Purpose of Vocal Cord Injection?
Vocal cord injection helps improve:
- Ability to make sounds or have a voice
- Voice strength and loudness
- Swallowing
- Coughing
How is a Vocal Cord Injection Done?
This surgery is done in the operating room and children receive general anesthesia. They are completely asleep during the surgery.
- The surgery lasts one to two hours.
- There are different products used to fill the vocal cord. Each product lasts for a certain amount of time. The ENT doctor decides the best product to use based on your child’s health issue.
What Can You Expect After a Vocal Cord Injection?
- Your child will stay in the hospital for one to two days.
- Your child will be given pain medicines to keep them comfortable.
- Your child will need to rest their voice for one day (no talking or singing). They can go back to their normal activities after that time.
- Your child can go back to their regular diet after surgery.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if your child has:
- Trouble breathing
- Fever of 102°F or higher
