Laser lateralization for bilateral vocal cord abductor paralysis.

Unilateral laser excision of the thyroarytenoid muscle combined with suture lateralization of the vocal ligament was successful in 13 of 14 patients (93%) treated for bilateral abduction immobility sufficient to require tracheotomy. Among the four patients requiring revision surgery, three had cricoarytenoid fixation and one had vocal cord paralysis. All patients had a satisfactory voice after surgery. The anesthetic management of laser microsurgery is discussed.