A remarkable journey toward regaining his voice is unfolding for a Hawaii man who lost his ability to speak due to a severe surfing accident. Makaliʻi Andrade, a resident of Kauai, recently underwent an intricate and rare vocal reconstruction surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, nearly three years after a traumatic incident that left him with a significant throat injury.
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In December 2022, Andrade was foil-surfing with friends when a horrific accident occurred. The tip of a foil wing sliced his neck, resulting in a severed trachea and long-lasting vocal paralysis. The injuries were so severe that the long-time firefighter described the sight of blood as something he had never witnessed in his 26 years of service. He recalled the immediate moments after the accident, where friends and bystanders worked together to keep him stable until emergency services could assist.
Reflecting on the life-changing experience, Andrade expressed profound gratitude towards those who came to his aid. “Many people were there to help me,” he relayed to reporters. “I’m extremely grateful. Happy to be alive.”
After enduring a lengthy recovery process, Andrade ventured to Tennessee for the six-hour surgery this May. Speaking to Hawaii News Now shortly after the procedure, Andrade described his feelings about the surgery: “Just stoked. Technology, man, it’s pretty amazing.” Although he is aware that it will take time for him to regain his normal voice, he already feels an improvement in his breathing.
The intricate procedure aimed to reconnect the nerves that were responsible for his breathing and vocal cord function, which had been compromised during the accident. “We were able to rewire the nerves to the diaphragm that helps move the lungs, and then also rewire and strengthen the vocal cords to another nerve,” explained Dr. Sarah Rohde, an associate professor at Vanderbilt’s Otolaryngology department.
The surgery is not common; it has been performed only six times previously by the surgical team at Vanderbilt. The optimism surrounding Andrade’s case is evident, with doctors expressing hope that with patience and time, he will experience a positive outcome. However, they caution that notable improvements may not be visible for several months, as the growth of nerves is an inherently slow process.
Dr. Alex Gelbard, another expert involved in Andrade’s care, highlighted the nature of nerve recovery. “Those nerves grow imperceptibly slowly, and they have to travel some distance from the branches that we spliced in,” he stated. Nevertheless, he reassured Andrade that gradual improvements should occur in the movement of his vocal cords.
Although Andrade’s voice remains quiet post-surgery, he has a realistic understanding of the journey ahead. He reflected on his experience, noting, “After my traumatic injury the first time, I started out like this. My nerves grew back wrong. They were crossed.” Andrade’s journey back to vocalisation resembles starting anew, as he continues to heal from the intricate and delicate surgery.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Andrade maintains a hopeful outlook. His love for the technology that has brought him this second chance at voice is palpable. As he progresses through his recovery, he will undoubtedly inspire others with his determination and perspective on life following such a harrowing experience.
The support of the community surrounding Andrade has been overwhelmingly positive, with a GoFundMe established by friends and family during his recovery. His story underscores not only the advances in medical technology but also the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As Andrade embarks on this next chapter, he stands as a testament to the enduring power of hope and the significance of community in times of need.