Will surgery cure vocal cord dysfunction?

The decision of whether or not to undergo surgery for vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the individual's overall health, and their response to conservative treatments. Surgery is generally considered a last resort when other treatments have failed to provide adequate relief.

The goal of surgery for VCD is to correct the underlying structural abnormalities that are causing the vocal cords to malfunction. This may involve procedures such as:

* Laryngeal adduction/abduction: This surgery aims to improve the coordination between the vocal cords by either strengthening the muscles that control their movement or weakening the opposing muscles.

* Arytenoidectomy: This procedure involves the removal of a small portion of the arytenoid cartilage, which is located at the back of the vocal cords. This can help to reduce the obstruction of airflow and improve vocal quality.

* Laser cordectomy: This technique uses a laser to remove a small section of the vocal cords. This may be beneficial in cases where there are polyps or other growths on the vocal cords that are contributing to the VCD.

The success rates of these surgical interventions vary, but they generally provide significant improvement in vocal function for most individuals. However, it's important to note that surgery does not guarantee a complete cure for VCD, and there is a risk of complications, such as scarring or nerve damage.