Outpatient injection laryngoplasty
Reviewed by Andy Hall

The benefits of a local anaesthetic centred laryngoplasty service in the outpatient environment may interest surgeons and hospital managers alike. This case series looked at patients over a two-year period undergoing local anaesthetic injection laryngoplasty in outpatients. Patient-rated (Voice Performance Questionnaire) and observer rated (GRBAS score) outcomes for 57 individuals were recorded. The patient rated Voice Performance Questionnaire score showed a median improvement from 42 to 21 (P < 0.0001). Observer assessment (GRBAS) also reflected positively. The clear description of the technique used in this series is of great benefit to those with an interest in laryngology. Comparison with general anaesthetic techniques was not a focus of this series yet the potential ability to achieve auditory feedback at the time of procedure is attractive. The technical challenges of local anaesthetic procedures should not be underestimated however.

Injection laryngoplasty in the outpatient clinic under local anaesthetic: a case series of sixty-eight patients.
Powell J, Carding P, Birdi R, Wilson JA.
CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY
2014;39:224-7.