Selective laryngeal adduction denervation and reinnervation (SLAD/R) is a surgical procedure to treat adductor spasmodic dysphonia/laryngeal dystonia by cutting (denervating) selected end branches of the nerves of the vocal cords.
SLAD/R may be an option for persons for specific individuals with adductor spasmodic dysphonia/laryngeal dystonia who are not satisfied with botulinum neurotoxin treatments. Only a very select number of surgical teams in the United States offer this highly specialized procedure. During the initial recovery period, all patients experience temporary voice breathiness and some experience swallowing difficulty. Patient satisfaction with the procedure in published reports tends to be high and results are long-term.
Last updated: November 2021
Thank you to Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (USA) for allowing us to share this information. The DMRF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research for improved dystonia treatments and ultimately a cure, promoting awareness, and supporting the well-being of affected individuals and families.