Phonosurgery

Phonosurgery, or surgery of the voice, is a recent sub-specialty that has gained importance as the diagnostic methods in laryngology have been perfected. Not long ago voice surgery was based only on the theory of removing lesions from the vocal folds, in most cases without establishing clear boundaries between sick and healthy tissue; as a result,  in some cases the surgical intervention not only did not improve voice quality, but it could make it worst.

Modern surgical techniques are based in very precise preoperative studies of function of the vocal folds. Voice production is the result of the integrity and adequate vibration of the folds. Any structural change generates vibratory abnormalities. As a result, an undesirable sound is produced, and this is what we know as “dysphonia”.

The aim of phonosurgery is to recover the normal vibratory capacity of the vocal folds. In order to achieve that, a precise diagnosis of the structural abnormalities in each individual must be made, since there are no two identical cases. In some cases lesions are removed, in other, size or position of the vocal folds are modified or the vocal folds are remodelled, scars are freed, tissues are readapted, injections of fat and other substances are performed, or implants are placed. Possibilities are endless, and only in the hands of an expert surgeon with excellent skills in diagnostic procedures, knowledge, proper training and team work with medic and paramedic personnel (anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, voice therapists) experienced in this type of problems, the best results can be obtained.