Mucosal bridges in Voice Unit at the Clinical Hospital Universidad de Chile: challenging diagnosis and management

Abstract

Introduction: Mucosal bridges (MB) correspond to a mucosa loop parallel to the free edge of the vocal fold, which is joined forward and backward. There is not a standardized procedure for its treatment and the literature in this regard is scarce and surgical management have not resulted in predictable outcomes. Aim: Description of clinical characteristics of patients with MB and the surgical techniques, in the Otorhinolaryngology Service at the Clinical Hospital Universidad de Chile (HCUCH), reflecting upon the challenge for its diagnosis and management. Material and Method: Retrospective and descriptive study, including patients with diagnosis of MB, between 2013 and 2019 in HCUCH. The preoperative evaluation includes anamnesis, physical examination, nasofibroscopy and/or telelaryngoscopy, along with the use of stroboscopy. Results: 7 cases were included, with an average age of 37.4 years; all women, with diagnosis made in the operating room, on a single vocal fold. It was associated with another minimal structural abnormality (MSA) in 100% of the cases, and with benign pathology in 75% of them. Dysphonia was the main symptom. The treatment was chosen individually, with resection in all cases, various laryngeal microsurgery techniques, infiltration of steroids and/or fat, in addition to speech therapy. Conclusion: MB should be suspected in cases of chronic dysphonia with an unfavorable response to speech therapy, in association with other MSAs, particularly in women, diagnosed intraoperatively with adequate equipment, including informed consent for eventual surgical management. It is a rare pathology, whose management has not been standardized therefore our experience is relevant.