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The term "phonosurgery," coined in the early 1960s, refers to surgical procedures that maintain, restore, or enhance the human voice. Phonosurgery includes phonomicrosurgery (endoscopic microsurgery of the vocal folds), laryngoplastic phonosurgery (open-neck surgery that restructures the cartilaginous framework of the larynx and the soft tissues), laryngeal injection (injection of medications as well as synthetic and organic biologic substances), and reinnervation of the larynx. Phonomicrosurgery is a means of maximally preserving the layered microstructure of the vocal fold, that is, the epithelium and lamina propria. The purpose of the surgery is usually to improve the vibratory characteristics of the layered microstructure of the vocal folds. Phonomicrosurgery has developed from convergence of microlaryngoscopic surgical technique theory and the mucosal wave theory of laryngeal sound production. Improvements in technology (i.e., laryngoscopes, handled instruments, and lasers), which in part arise from developments in more frequently performed minimally invasive surgical procedures, will probably facilitate the next generation of procedural innovations. The best methods of optimizing phonosurgical outcomes include making an accurate diagnosis, completing a comprehensive voice evaluation, providing sufficient preoperative therapy, carefully selecting patients to undergo phonomicrosurgical procedures, and requiring sufficient postoperative rest and therapy. Phonomicrosurgery will continue to evolve as a result of the interdependent collaboration of surgeons with voice scientists, speech pathologist, and other voice professionals.
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