Unilateral vocal fold paralysis can cause hoarseness, aspiration, and even pneumonia, severely impacting patients’ quality of life. In the past, type I thyroplasty typically required a six-month waiting period before surgery, leading some patients to delay or forgo treatment. To address two key patient needs—understanding disease prognosis and obtaining rapid symptom relief—Taichung Veterans General Hospital developed an innovative approach: laryngeal electromyography–guided hyaluronic acid injection into the vocal folds. This outpatient procedure allows patients to undergo both nerve function evaluation and immediate treatment during the same visit. Minimally invasive, safe, and requiring neither anesthesia nor hospitalization, the procedure has significantly improved accessibility and patient satisfaction. This improvement initiative is not only a breakthrough in medical technology but also demonstrates the strength of a multidisciplinary team—comprising otolaryngology, neurology, and speech-language pathology—in integrating resources, standardizing processes, and establishing an efficient, high-quality care model. The results have been published in multiple international journals, presented at conferences worldwide, and have attracted visiting scholars to Taiwan, showcasing the global impact of Taiwan’s medical innovation. We not only listen to the voices of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis, but also listen attentively and strive to fulfill their needs. Participation in the National Healthcare Quality Award has further enabled continuous self-reflection and provided a platform for cross-institutional exchange, allowing the team to refine, grow, and continually improve service quality.
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