Endoscopic assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis using radiofrequency versus coblation

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To assess the outcomes of endoscopic assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis (BAVFP) using radiofrequency versus coblation. Methods This was a randomized prospective cohort study that carried out on 40 patients with BAVFP who were subjected to endoscopic/assisted microscopic posterior cordotomy. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group (A) patients were operated with radiofrequency, and group (B) patients were operated with coblation. Glottic chink, grade of dyspnea, voice handicap index 10 (VHI10), and aspiration were evaluated pre-operatively and 2 weeks and 3 months post-operatively. Results There was a significant improvement in the glottic chink and VHI10 scores postoperatively with a non-significant difference between both groups regarding the degree of improvement. In addition, there was a significant improvement of the grade of dyspnea with a non-significant impact on the degree of aspiration in both groups post operatively. There was a lower incidence of oedema and granulation formation in the coblation group but without a statistical significance. Conclusion Both techniques are effective alternatives for performing posterior transverse cordotomy in cases of BAVFP.