Lateral thyrotomy with strap muscle transposition for Teflon granuloma

Abstract

Lateral thyrotomy and strap muscle transposition have been used independently before. However, the published literature does not record the coordinated use of both procedures in the treatment of Teflon granuloma. In this paper, we present a case of vocal fold paralysis that had been treated successfully by Teflon injection in 1999. Two years later, however, the patient developed a host of symptoms that included a husky voice, shortness of breath and suffocation, which indicated Teflon granuloma. He underwent surgery to excise the Teflon granuloma via a lateral thyrotomy. The affected paraglottic space was then reconstructed using strap muscle transposition. One year postoperatively, the glottis had closed completely on phonation, and the voice retained a moderate roughness due to a scarring change from the earlier Teflon reaction. The patient had no problems with aspiration or shortness of breath during speaking. Our experience indicates that a physician can remove the entire granuloma and create a smooth, straight vibratory surface with complete glottic closure during phonation by using a combination of lateral thyrotomy and strap muscle transposition.