Bilateral vocal cord palsy is a debilitating condition where both vocal cords are paralyzed, often leading to breathing difficulties, voice changes, and impaired swallowing. Traditional treatment options have included tracheostomy, which, while effective, significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life. However, advancements in medical technology have paved the way for less invasive and more effective treatments, such as transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) which ENT medics at KUTRRH performed in July. TLM for bilateral vocal cord palsy involves using a specialized laser to precisely remove or reshape tissue in the larynx. This procedure is performed through the mouth, eliminating the need for external incisions.
The primary goal is to improve the airway, allowing for better breathing while preserving as much vocal function as possible. One of the significant advantages of TLM is its precision. The laser allows surgeons to target specific areas with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster recovery times. Patients often experience significant improvements in their breathing and voice quality shortly after the procedure. At Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), this milestone reflects a commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient care.
The successful outcome underscores the potential of TLM to revolutionize the management of vocal cord paralysis, offering patients a safer and more effective alternative to traditional surgical approaches. As KUTRRH’s medics continue to advance in the field of ENT surgery, procedures like TLM represent a promising future for patients suffering from complex laryngeal conditions, providing them with improved health outcomes and a better quality of life. The incredible team who made this possible included KUTRRH’s ENT Surgeon, Dr Ian Macharia who performed the procedure. Anesthetists,
Dr. Sheila Kirongothi and Dr.David Waruingi, whose expertise ensured the patient’s safety and comfort throughout the surgery. Dedicated scrub nurses, Christine Momanyi and Veronica Njeru whose precision and support were crucial to the success of the operation. Dr Ian sums up the achievement as “a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and innovative medical techniques. We’re excited about the positive impact this will have on our patient’s quality of life and look forward to many more successful procedures in the future.