New surgery restores Northamptonshire teen's vocal cord
Charlotte Gray, 14, is the first to benefit from the pioneering new service
A groundbreaking procedure to restore voice function has debuted in the East Midlands, offering new hopes for patients with vocal cord paralysis.
Surgeons from the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust successfully performed the region’s first laryngeal reinnervation surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
During the operation, a healthy nerve was connected to the damaged laryngeal nerve to restore movement and tone to the vocal cord, aiding patients whose paralysis results from prior surgery, trauma, or infections.
Charlotte Gray, a fourteen-year-old from Higham Ferrers, was the first patient to benefit, receiving treatment for her left vocal cord palsy likely caused by heart surgery after her premature birth.
Charlotte's mother, Lyn Gray, said, "Problems with her voice were limiting what she could do in relation to one of her biggest passions, performing on stage. Once she has fully recovered, we hope this surgery will allow her to be heard more clearly."
Mr Rohan Bidaye, Consultant ENT Surgeon, stated, "This is an important milestone for patients across the East Midlands. By establishing the service locally, we can ensure more patients benefit from timely access to specialist care closer to home."
Professor Bindy Sahota, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon, added, "Being able to offer laryngeal reinnervation here in Leicester gives patients whose daily lives are affected by these symptoms another treatment option."