Laser Surgery through the Nose: A Novel Way to Treat Vocal Cord Narrowing

Imagine trying to perform a delicate surgery on the vocal cords without being able to see them clearly. This was the challenge faced by doctors treating a 56-year-old man with a narrowed vocal cord condition known as posterior glottic stenosis (PGS). Instead of using the usual method of suspension laryngoscopy, which didn't provide a good view, they opted for a creative approach. First, they used a glide scope to move the patient's tongue out of the way. Then, with the help of a flexible nasofibroscopy that had an operative channel, they were able to reach the vocal folds. This innovative method allowed them to use a blue laser to perform a posterior transverse cordotomy (PTC) directly through the channel. The surgery was a success, and the patient's recovery was smooth. This case highlights the importance of adaptability in medicine. When the standard methods aren't working, sometimes thinking outside the box can lead to effective solutions. It also underscores the value of advanced technologies like flexible nasofibroscopy and blue lasers in modern surgery.

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