Voice Restored: First successful PH vocal surgery offers breakthrough for lost voices

Rhoanne Angel Cabate

What seemed like a distant future where lost voices can be restored thus changing lives for the better is now growing nearer than ever, as proven by the first successful vocal surgery performed in the Philippines.

Dr. Milabelle Lingan of UST Hospital’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology — a medical specialty focusing on the surgical management affecting the ear, nose and throat — and Head and Neck Surgery led the operation performed on a 60-year-old patient with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

UVFP is the most common neuromuscular disorder — a disorder wherein one damages their nervous system causing numerous effects on the body, in this case, one vocal cord is paralyzed leading to a difficulty in swallowing and speaking.

The surgery was made possible by inserting a Vocal Implant System (VOIS) developed by APrevent — a medical device company that focuses on innovations to enhance voice and communication — through the neck and into the thyroid cartilage.

APrevent’s VOIS is made of silicone and titanium and is known for its unique design that enables it to be precisely adjusted, improving voice quality and swallowing.

With careful insertion, the purpose of the implant is to move the immobile vocal fold to the middle in order for it to meet the functioning vocal cord.

This restores the vocal function and reduces the risk of aspiration during swallowing.

According to Dr. Lingan, improvement in vocal function is not its only aid, it also helps in preventing food particles from entering the airways, thus reducing the risk of pneumonia and lung infections.

“Keeping ourselves aware of what is new, what is available, and bringing it to the Philippines is one thing that we can do para naman may matulungan pa tayo.” Dr. Lingan stated.

Dr. Guan-Min Ho, co-founder and chief executive officer of APrevent, from Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taiwan also shared his hope that in the future this technique can spread throughout the Philippines in order to benefit more Filipino patients.

This breakthrough proves the feasibility of vocal restoration in the Philippines leading to a hopeful future where it is accessible nationwide.