Safety of outpatient unilateral medialization laryngoplasty across two academic institutions
Steven M. Chau MD  Christine M. Kim MD  Andrew Vahabzadeh‐Hagh MD  Sunil P. Verma MD  Dinesh K. Chhetri MD
First published: 26 December 2018 https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.27688
Editor's Note: This Manuscript was accepted for publication October 22, 2018.
Presented at the 139th Annual Meeting of the American Laryngological Association, National Harbor, Maryland, U.S.A., April 18–22, 2018.
The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
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Abstract
Objectives/Hypothesis
Unilateral ML is a commonly performed surgery for dysphonia secondary to glottic insufficiency. The safety of this procedure performed in the outpatient setting has not been extensively examined. The purpose of the study was to assess the safety of outpatient unilateral ML in adults and determine the incidence and timing of postoperative complications across two tertiary‐care academic medical centers.

Study Design
Retrospective chart review,

Methods
A review of patients undergoing unilateral ML at two tertiary‐care academic centers from 2011 to 2017 was performed. Patients undergoing bilateral medialization laryngoplasty, revision surgery, or those undergoing additional laryngeal framework procedures including arytenoid adduction were excluded. Patient demographics, operative details, and perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Comparisons were made between those individuals who underwent inpatient versus outpatient ML.

Results
One hundred three total procedures met inclusion criteria. Fifty‐seven were performed as outpatient procedures, and 46 individuals were observed for at least 23 hours following surgery. Silastic or Gore‐Tex implants were used in all but two surgeries. There were no postoperative complications in either setting, including hematoma, dyspnea, wound infections or seromas.

Conclusions
The incidence of adverse events during and immediately following unilateral ML is very low. Patients can be discharged safely the day of surgery without geographic restrictions.

Level of Evidence
4

Laryngoscope, 129:1647–1649, 2019