This handout explains thyroplasty and what to expect before and after the procedure.
Thyroplasty
Thyroplasty moves a paralyzed vocal cord closer to the working vocal cord so they can close better. This can help improve your voice, swallowing, and ability to cough. A permanent implant is used to move the paralyzed vocal cord into a better position.
The procedure takes about 2 hours. You will stay in the hospital overnight. During the procedure, you will be awake enough to answer questions and make sounds so the doctor can check your voice. You will get numbing medicine in the area to prevent pain and medicine through your IV to help you relax. You may still feel some pressure.
Before Surgery
Before starting the surgery, your doctor(s) may look at your voice box by passing a small flexible camera through your nose to double check which vocal cord is paralyzed. A mark on your neck will be made with a pen to confirm the correct side.
What to Expect After Surgery
You will have a sore throat and pain at the incision site.
You will have an incision on the front of your neck with a dressing in place.
You may have a small drainage tube under the dressing. This will be removed the day after surgery before you go home.
Some blood-tinged drainage from your incision is normal for the first 2-3 days.
Resting Your Voice
Your surgeon will let you know if you need to rest your voice. Your surgeon may suggest 72 hours of not talking right after the procedure to prevent bleeding and to help swelling decrease. This will help to heal your vocal cords.
Voice Recovery
The recovery of your voice happens with time. Your voice will likely be worse before it gets better, so please be patient. If your voice does not improve, then you should let us know.
Voice Therapist (Speech Language Pathologist)
Meeting with a voice therapist before and after your procedure is an important part of your care. They will teach you exercises and skills to help improve your voice. They can also answer your questions and give you tips for recovery. Following their guidance can help you get the best results from your procedure.
Activity Restrictions
Light activity and no contact sports for at least 2 weeks.
No lifting more than 25 pounds or straining for 2 weeks.
Keep your head raised at least 30 on 2-3 pillows when sleeping or resting for 3 days after surgery. Do not lie flat in bed.
Follow voice limits from your surgeon or speech therapist.
Avoid talking loudly and keep your pitch low.
Do not whisper; this can make it hard to get your voice back to normal.
Avoid coughing and throat clearing.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids
Advance your diet slowly from liquids to soft foods.
Avoid spicy foods for 2-3 days after surgery.
Eat slowly to avoid choking or coughing.
Medicine
Be sure to take your reflux medicine, if prescribed.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for pain. Do not take anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen or Aleve for 2 days after surgery.
Use your prescribed pain medicine, if needed.
Wound Care
You may shower and get your incision wet 48 hours after surgery. Do not soak your incision or submerge your neck under water until your incision is completely healed.
Clean around your incision with mild soap and water, rinse, and pat dry.
You can leave your incision open to the air.
If you have stitches, they will be removed at your first post-op visit.
Follow-Up Visits
About 1 week after surgery, you will meet with a speech-language pathologist. A member of the ENT clinic may also check your neck.
About 4-6 weeks after surgery, you will have a follow-up visit with your doctor and speech-language pathologist to check your healing and progress.
When to Call
Call the clinic if you:
Have pain not relieved with pain medicine.
Cough up bright red blood or blood clots.
Have any sign of infection at the incision site.
Redness
Increased swelling
Worsening pain
Warmth at the incision site
Pus-like drainage
Fever over 100.5, checked 2 readings 4 hours apart
If you have trouble breathing, go to the nearest ER or call 911.
Who to Call
If you have questions, please contact your provider through MyChart or call your provider listed in your After Visit Summary or After Hospital Care Plan. For a list of UW Health Clinics, visit www.uwhealth.org/.