About Medialisation Thyroplasty
Key Highlights
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Targeted treatment for unilateral vocal cord paralysis to improve voice and reduce breathiness.Often performed under local anesthesia with sedation, allowing for real-time voice feedback during surgery.Typically involves a small external neck incision, minimizing visible scarring.Voice improvement is often noticeable immediately or soon after the procedure.Implants used (e.g., silicone) are designed to be permanent and biocompatible.Can significantly reduce the risk of aspiration (food/liquid entering the airway) in some patients./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Unilateral vocal cord paralysis resulting in a weak, breathy, or hoarse voice.
- Vocal cord paresis (partial weakness) that does not improve with therapy.
- Glottic insufficiency (incomplete closure of the vocal cords) leading to aspiration during swallowing.
- Failed voice therapy or other conservative treatments for vocal cord paralysis.
- Paralysis caused by surgery (e.g., thyroidectomy), trauma, neurological conditions, or idiopathic causes.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation by an ENT specialist, including laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords.
- Pre-operative voice assessment and possibly a trial of voice therapy.
- Review of medical history and current medications; some may need to be adjusted or stopped (e.g., blood thinners).
- Pre-operative tests as required, which may include blood tests and imaging.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (typically local with sedation) and obtaining informed consent.
- Fasting for several hours before the procedure as instructed by the surgical team.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or hematoma at the surgical site.
- Temporary or permanent worsening of voice quality or airway obstruction.
- Implant displacement, extrusion, or rejection requiring revision surgery.
- Injury to nearby structures, though rare, such as the esophagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Scarring or changes in the external appearance of the neck.
- Allergic reaction to anesthetic agents or implant materials.
- Persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort in the throat or neck.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically short, often just for observation on the day of surgery.
- Voice rest is usually advised for a short period (e.g., 1-2 days) followed by gradual return to normal use.
- Mild to moderate throat pain, neck soreness, and swelling are common and managed with prescribed medications.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and straining the voice for the first 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and assess voice improvement.
- Most patients can resume normal daily activities within a week, but full vocal stabilization may take several weeks.
- Adhere to any dietary recommendations, especially if swallowing was an initial concern.
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Typical hospital stay: Typically 1 day (outpatient or short stay)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for full vocal stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering medialisation thyroplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for medialisation thyroplasty in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform medialisation thyroplasty. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for medialisation thyroplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand | Typically 1 day (outpatient or short stay) | ~ 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for full vocal stabilization | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand | Typically 1 day (outpatient or short stay) | ~ 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for full vocal stabilization | Know More |
Top hospitals for Medialisation Thyroplasty in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing medialisation thyroplasty.
Vihaan Roy, a 58-year-old high school...
Vihaan Roy, a 58-year-old high school history teacher, had always been known for his booming, engaging voice that could command a classroom. His life changed after emergency thyroid surgery to remove a benign but large goiter. While the surgery was successful, it resulted in a paralyzed left vocal cord, leaving his voice a weak, breathy whisper. For six months, he struggled. He couldn't project in class, resorting to a microphone that felt alienating. Conversations in the staff room were exhausting, and he felt himself withdrawing. His ENT surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that the paralyzed cord wasn't meeting the healthy one, causing air to escape. She recommended a Medialisation Thyroplasty, a procedure to place a small implant next to the paralyzed cord to push it into a better position. Vihaan was nervous but desperate. The surgery, done under local anesthesia so he could talk during it, was a strange experience, awake but numb. The moment Dr. Evans placed the trial implant and asked him to count, his strong, clear voice returned. Tears welled in his eyes. Recovery involved some throat soreness and a temporary quiet voice, but within weeks, the improvement was stable. Emotionally, he moved from a place of profound loss and professional anxiety to overwhelming relief and joy. He wasn't just getting his voice back; he was reclaiming his identity and his ability to connect with his students.
ENT Specialists for Medialisation Thyroplasty
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform medialisation thyroplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore