To evaluate the effect of endoscopic carbon dioxide laser partial arytenoidectomy in the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Twenty-six patients diagnosed with bilateral vocal cord paralysis and hospitalized at the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University to undergo endoscopic carbon dioxide laser partial arytenoidectomy between January 2010 and June 2017 were included in this retrospective study. And evaluate the decannulation rate, hospitalization time, times of surgery, complication rate.

All patients were discharged from the hospital within 7 to 10 days after surgery following satisfactory recovery of their swallowing function. No severe laryngeal edema, aspiration, apnea, and/or bleeding were observed in the postoperative period. The rate of decannulation was 88%, while the re-intervention rate was 36%. 52% of the patients did not perceive any considerable impairment in their voice quality compared to pre-operative voice quality.

Endoscopic carbon dioxide laser posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy is a reliable method for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis. The key factor for improving the rate of decannulation is regulating the formation of granulation tissue and scars.