Ichilov Clinic is one of the most popular public hospitals in Israel. The world-renowned magazine Newsweek included the institution in the top ten best hospitals for medical tourism. The highly qualified doctors at the clinic are among the top five outstanding doctors in the world according to Forbes magazine.
Ichilov successfully treats a wide range of conditions, from the simplest to the most critical. The clinic has 60 different departments, including an otolaryngology department that effectively treats head and neck diseases, including vocal cord paralysis.
The clinic closely collaborates with European and American medical centers, and about 90% of Ichilov staff have completed international internships. By choosing this medical institution, you will receive the most effective treatment at a competitive price and first-class postoperative care. Patient reviews about treatment at the clinic can be found in the relevant section of its website.
About the Condition
Vocal cord paralysis is a condition characterized by the loss of function of the vocal apparatus muscles. Patients with this condition are unable to control the muscles that manage the vocal cords. Often, only one vocal cord is affected. However, sometimes the condition affects the function of both vocal cords. Laryngeal paralysis also causes swallowing difficulties. When both vocal cords do not function properly, life-threatening breathing problems may develop.
Send your records — an Ichilov physician will reply within 1–2 days, free of charge.
Treatment Methods for Vocal Cord Paralysis
Treatment methods for vocal cord paralysis are chosen individually based on the patient's condition and can be either conservative or surgical.
Voice Therapy
If the paralysis is mild, the patient may be recommended voice therapy aimed at improving vocal cord function. During this therapy, the patient performs special exercises to strengthen the vocal cords, learn to control the muscles, and breathe freely while speaking.
Surgery
More severe forms of vocal cord paralysis, especially those causing swallowing difficulties, require surgical intervention. To correct the paralysis of one vocal cord, the otolaryngologist will reposition the vocal cord during the surgery. To keep the vocal cords in place and close the gap between them, the following may be required:
- Vocal Cord Injection: The surgeon injects a special filler through a needle. As a result, the filler closes the gap between the vocal cords.
- Implantation of a Voice Apparatus Implant (laryngeal framework surgery): the surgeon places a silicone implant. The implant helps keep the paralyzed vocal cords in place, allowing them to close properly. This procedure requires an incision in the neck. It is most often prescribed for adult patients or older children.
- Reinnervation (nerve surgery): during the operation, the nerve responsible for the motor function of the vocal cords is connected to other neck muscles. This surgery is most often prescribed for children.
When paralysis affects both vocal cords and the patient experiences breathing difficulties, a tracheostomy may be necessary. During this procedure, the surgeon removes part of one or both vocal cords using a laser to widen the airways.
Medical Procedures
- Laryngoplasty in Israel
Diagnostic Methods for the Condition
Diagnosis at Ichilov Clinic is performed using modern equipment that allows for accurate data on the pathology and the development of effective therapeutic tactics. Typically, the entire process takes no more than 3-4 days, excluding the time required for laboratory tests.
Consultation with a Specialist
The doctor will conduct an examination, clarify symptoms, and review the medical history to determine the causes of the paralysis. An accurate diagnosis requires laboratory and instrumental tests, which are usually scheduled for the second day of diagnosis
Laboratory and Instrumental Tests
- Blood test: conducted to identify autoimmune diseases.
- Imaging studies: MRI or CT scans provide detailed images of the brain, throat, vocal cords, thyroid gland, and chest. The doctor may also order an esophageal X-ray to understand the cause of the paralysis accurately.
- Laryngoscopy: allows for imaging of the vocal apparatus and vocal cords.
- Laryngeal electromyography: measures how nerves control the muscles of the vocal apparatus and allows for the assessment and recording of electrical impulses in the muscles.
Development of a Therapeutic Plan
When the research results are ready and the treating physician has complete information, they gather a medical council. In this meeting, experts from related specialties develop a treatment plan that considers all nuances of the patient's condition. This approach helps avoid medical errors and improve prognosis.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of treatment is calculated strictly individually, as the treatment methods required to eliminate laryngeal paralysis can vary significantly depending on the severity of the case. The final price is announced after the therapeutic protocol is approved.
A preliminary (approximate) price estimate can be obtained in advance. To do this, call our call center at the phone number listed on the website. A medical consultant will answer all your questions and send you a price list for possible procedures.
Advantages of Treatment at Ichilov
- Ichilov is a leading multidisciplinary medical institution in Israel, recognized worldwide.
- The team of medical specialists at Ichilov consists of world-class experts who have gained clinical experience in the best clinics.
- The integrative interdisciplinary approach, ensuring collaboration between several medical specialties, allows Ichilov doctors to find comprehensive solutions and optimize the therapeutic process.
- The patient's stay at the clinic is coordinated by personal consultants (escorts). They assist in planning all medical and diagnostic activities and resolving everyday issues.
- Treatment at Ichilov (including medical expenses and transportation costs) is much cheaper than at a comparable medical institution in the USA or Europe.
If you or your loved ones have signs of the disease and wish to undergo treatment at the Israeli Ichilov Clinic, please leave your contact information in any of the feedback forms. Our manager will contact you, answer your questions, and help resolve all organizational issues related to the trip for treatment.