Augmentation of Scarred Vocal Folds With Centrifuged and Emulsified Autologous Fat Grafts

Abstract

Objective To review the results of a series of patients with glottic insufficiency caused by scarred vocal folds who underwent injection laryngoplasty with centrifuged and emulsified autologous fat. Study Design Prospective cohort. Setting Single center, tertiary institution. Subjects and Methods Examination of the medical records of 21 patients operated on through injection laryngoplasty with fat grafts for the treatment of dysphonia was performed. All patients were operated on between January of 2015 and September of 2019. The voice variables measured were the GRABS (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain) scale, the Voice Handicap Index–10 (VHI-10), maximum phonation time, jitter, shimmer, and harmonic/noise ratio before surgery and 8 months later. Results Twenty-six injection laryngoplasties were performed in 21 patients during the reviewed period. Seventeen were men, and 4 were women. Mean age was 57.2 (range, 18-80) years. Mean (SD) follow-up time was 20.7 (9.3) months. Etiology of dysphonia was scarring after tumor resection in 17 patients and sulcus vocalis in 4. Five patients received an additional injection laryngoplasty. Statistically significant improvements were observed in all the parameters evaluated ( P < .05). Conclusions Injection laryngoplasty with fat grafts processed through centrifugation and emulsification is an effective technique for the treatment of dysphonia caused by glottic insufficiency related to scarred vocal folds, with minimal complication rates.