A Case of Extraction of an Implant after Type I Thyroplasty

Type I thyroplasty is a surgery performed for unilateral vocal cord paralysis to reduce hoarseness and aspiration. We herein report the case of a 69-year-old male whose implant was removed (Gore-Tex) after type I thyroplasty. The patient complained of hoarseness and aspiration after aortic aneurysm surgery, and was diagnosed with left vocal cord paralysis. He underwent type I thyroplasty 11 months after aortic dissection. Although his voice and swallowing disorders were improved, he had persistent cervical discomfort. The Gore-Tex was therefore removed two years and 10 months after the thyroplasty. The extraction was easily performed without adhesion of the implant, and did not affect the phonetic functions of the patient. Our case shows that with Gore-Tex thyroplasty, improved phonetic function is maintained if the implant is left in place for at least six months, as discussed in previous reports.