Cordotomy for bilateral cord abductal paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of cordotomy on bilateral cord abductal paralysis. METHODS: With unilateral cordotomy, we treated 4 patients with bilateral cord paralysis whose glottis size was about 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm. They were followed up for over one year. RESULTS: One week after surgery, the tracheotomy tubes of all 4 patients were plugged and no dyspnea occurred during rest and mild action. Their voices were more hoarse than before surgery. After 3 months, the tracheotomy tubes were successfully decannulated, and in the following one year, their respiration was normal and then speech was clear, although their voices were still a little hoarse. CONCLUSION: We suggest that cordotomy be one option in the treatment of bilateral cord abductal paralysis.