Surgical Management of Bilateral Abductor Paralysis: Diode Laser Versus Coblation; A Prospective Study

Objectives: We aimed to compare the results of both diode laser and coblation in the treatment of bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI).

Materials and methods: This prospective clinical study was performed on 80 non-tracheostomised patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis divided into two groups; Group A: diode laser, Group B: coblation. Medical Research Council "mMRC" Dyspnea scale, maximal phonatory time (MPT), Voice handicap index (VHI), and functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS) were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Also, the VAS pain scale and operative time of both groups are recorded.

Results: Within each group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the mMRC dyspnea scale and maximum phonation time and a significant increase in VHI (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the studied groups postoperative and regarding the percent change of the MPT ( more decrease in the coblation group). Concerning the operative time and the VAS pain score, there was a statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding operating time and the VAS pain scale (significantly lower in the coblation group) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both Coblation and diode laser are effective tools in the treatment of BVFI with similar minimal voice quality affection. The maximum phonation time decreased more in the coblation group, while the voice handicap index did not significantly differ between both groups. However, Coblation may be superior to diode laser in terms of less operative pain and shorter intraoperative time. Coblation may be more favorable for patients at risk of prolonged general anesthesia duration.