A particular disorder of the vocal fold muscles is called laryngeal dystonia, also known as spasmodic dysphonia (SD). Depending on whether the disorder affects the muscles that open or close the vocal folds, the symptoms can manifest, for example, as tightness of a person’s voice, or as breaks or weakness occurring in the voice.
The problem can be a mentally and socially awkward problem, and can limit the person from practicing a profession where speaking is essential.
In patients with diagnosed adductor spasmodic dysphonia, myoneurectomy can be a decisive surgery.
What is myoneurectomy?
Myoneurectomy is a surgery to remove a specific vocal fold muscle called a thyroarytenoid muscle and its nerve branches.
This method aims to restore the natural function of the vocal folds, improve voice quality, and reduce other disturbing symptoms. The effect of the surgery is similar to the alternative treatment with botulinum toxin injections, but the effect of myoneurectomy is usually permanent.
How is myoneurectomy performed?
During myoneurectomy, an experienced surgeon carefully identifies and resects the active muscles while maintaining the surrounding healthy tissue. This accuracy helps to minimize potential adverse effects and ensures optimal treatment outcome for the patient.
Patient-driven care
The voice clinic’s commitment to patient-driven care is central to every procedure. Before recommending myoneurectomy, our multidisciplinary team will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment for the patient. We stress the significance of open communication, ensuring that the patient is well informed and supported throughout the process.
Recovery and rehabilitation after myoneurectomy
After myoneurectomy, approximately 60% of patients have been found to have permanent relief following the initial surgery. The rest of the patients may experience symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia after approximately 6 months when the removed branch of nerves re-grows. The surgery can be repeated twice after the initial surgery to remove the grown nerve branch. If the spasmodic dysphonia returns, and the patient no longer wishes or is not eligible for another surgery, they can be treated with botulinum toxin injections. At this point, lower than normal doses of botulinum toxin are often sufficiently effective and their effect will last longer.
How do I make an appointment for a consultation or treatment?
Appointments and treatment inquiries from the Operation Team +358 9 4748 2704.
Email for Orton Team: toimenpide@orton.fi
Please send messages including patient information and other personal information via https://www.securedmail.eu/message/toimenpide@orton.fi