There are two main types of voice surgeries performed to treat hoarseness. The first type is surgery performed through the mouth to access the vocal cords. The second type involves surgeries performed externally, through the neck, without touching the vocal cords directly.
Surgeries performed through the mouth are procedures conducted directly on the vocal cords and are referred to as Vocal Cord Microsurgery. In this procedure, a special surgical microscope is used along with micro-instruments specifically designed for vocal cord surgery. While the diseased tissues of the vocal cords are treated, the healthy parts are carefully preserved. In some cases, the use of a laser is required during Vocal Cord Microsurgery. Vocal Cord Injection (Augmentation) Surgeries, which are used to treat vocal cord weakness or paralysis, are also performed using microsurgical techniques.
The second type of voice surgery is performed externally, through the neck, without directly contacting the vocal cords. These surgeries are called Laryngoplastic Surgery. In laryngoplasty, the cartilages surrounding the vocal cords are surgically modified to adjust the position, tension, or relaxation of the vocal cords. This allows for the correction of existing voice problems or, when necessary, the alteration of voice pitch. In cases of vocal cord paralysis that cause hoarseness, biomaterials such as silicone or Gore-Tex can be used during Laryngoplastic Surgery. Procedures aimed at changing the tone and quality of the voice—known as Voice Aesthetic Surgery—can also be performed through the laryngoplasty technique.