Speech and Swallowing Surgeries
The types of surgical procedures we perform at the Asian Centre for ENT
Improve the closure of valves within the swallowing mechanism, such as the soft palate and vocal cords.
Open valves that are too tight — such as the upper esophageal sphincter — a “muscle-valve” between the throat (pharynx) and food pipe (esophagus).
Correct mechanical blockage, such as narrowing of the throat or tumors.
Separate the esophagus from the airway.
Sustain weight or balance nutrition (gastrostomy tube placement).
Types of Surgical Procedures for Swallowing Disorders
Medialization of the vocal cord
Medialization refers to the process of moving a paralyzed vocal cord closer to the middle, so that the other vocal cord can close the gap between them and protect the windpipe (trachea).
Surgeons at UPMC’s Swallowing Disorders Center can use either of the following methods to achieve this purpose:
Vocal fold (cord) injection — this is the least invasive technique, but is not as precise as open surgical procedures (incision). Surgeons can inject the vocal cord through the mouth or skin of the neck with permanent or temporary materials. This adds bulk to the tissues of the vocal fold or moves it closer to the middle.
Laryngeal framework surgery — this type of surgery uses an implant to add bulk or move the vocal cord closer to the middle. Some people require a stitch at the joint of the vocal cord to correct the position of the joint. Although this surgery involves an external incision to create a window in the larynx (voice box), the effect is very reliable and the improvement is instant.
Medialization refers to the process of moving a paralyzed vocal cord closer to the middle, so that the other vocal cord can close the gap between them and protect the windpipe (trachea).