Effects of Injection Laryngoplasty on Swallowing Outcomes in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Abstract

Background and Objectives Injection laryngoplasty (IL) is a common surgical treatment for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). Although UVFP affects voice and airway protection, and the effects of IL on voice are well documented, its impact on swallowing function remains unclear. This study aimed to better understand the effect of IL on swallowing function in UVFP.Materials and Method A retrospective chart review was conducted among 14 patients with UVFP who underwent swallowing evaluation before and after IL. Swallowing function was evaluated by comparing penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) scores and swallowing timing measures in video fluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) pre- and post-injection. Swallowing function was assessed using different consistencies, including small and large liquid barium, yogurt, soft blend diet (SBD), and a normal regular diet.Results Although PAS scores showed numerical improvements in the small liquid, yogurt, and SBD groups after injection, only the change in yogurt was statistically significant (Z=-2.375, p=0.018). The timing measures did not differ significantly after IL. Dietary levels improved in 11 of 14 patients (78.6%), whereas 3 patients (21.4%) showed no change, all of whom had comorbidities such as lung cancer, esophageal stricture, or esophageal cancer.Conclusion Despite the absence of measurable changes in VFSS timing parameters, clinical outcomes, including dietary advancement, should be considered alongside instrumental findings while evaluating the swallowing treatment effects of IL in patients with UVFP. Future studies incorporating structured rehabilitation and larger sample sizes are required to clarify the therapeutic scope of IL for dysphagia management.