Unexplained Profound Hypoglycemia After Vocal Fold Lipoinjection

Abstract

Vocal fold injection is used for the management of glottal incompetence from various causes. The procedure is well tolerated and has few reported complications. We present a case of a 66-year-old man with long-lasting hoarseness secondary to vocal fold atrophy, who underwent an uneventful bilateral vocal fold injection with autologous fat. While in the recovery area, he experienced profuse sweating approximately 30 minutes after the surgical procedure. His blood glucose value was measured at 24 mg/dL, and plasmatic insulin level was 246 mU/L. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a systemic side effect after vocal fold lipoinjection.

Editorial Comment on Unexplained Profound Hypoglycemia After Vocal Fold Lipoinjection

“…The case reported by Modanlou et al 1 points out this concern and raises 2 important issues with regard to medications used on the surgical field: the need for better communication about medications used on the surgical field and the need for surgical team members to be familiar with the techniques involved in the procedure and to double check unfamiliar medications and procedures.…”