Influence of unilateral and bilateral vocal cordectomy on airflow across cadaveric equine larynges at different Rakestraw grades of arytenoid abduction

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of vocal cordectomy on airflow across equine larynges at different Rakestraw grades of arytenoid abduction using a unidirectional airflow model. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo, repeated measures. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty cadaveric equine larynges. METHODS: The right arytenoid cartilage was maximally abducted in all larynges. Each larynx was assigned a Rakestraw grade A or B, and the left arytenoid was abducted accordingly. Each larynx was tested under 3 conditions: intact, left vocal cordectomy (LVC), and bilateral vocal cordectomy (BVC). Translaryngeal pressure and airflow were measured, and digital video footage was obtained. Translaryngeal impedance (TLI) was calculated, and the arytenoid left‐to‐right quotient angle (LRQ) and rima glottis cross‐sectional area (CSA) were measured from standardized still images. RESULTS: Vocal cordectomy reduced TLI by 14.5% in LVC in comparison with intact larynges at Rakestraw grade B (P = .014). In Rakestraw grade A position, neither unilateral nor bilateral vocal cordectomy had any effect on TLI. Regardless of Rakestraw allocation, both LVC and BVC increased CSA in comparison with intact larynges (P < .005), with BVC larynges experiencing a greater effect than LVC (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Using a unilateral airflow model, LVC improved TLI in larynges where arytenoid position approximated Rakestraw grade B. However, when the arytenoid position approximated Rakestraw grade A, there was no effect on TLI following LVC or BVC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgeons considering a vocal cordectomy should take into account the degree of arytenoid abduction before performing the procedure, as it may not be warranted from a TLI point of view.