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Andrews Pins Hopes on New Voice Surgery

Mary Poppins may sing again with pioneering technique

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 23, 2009 5:38 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Julie Andrews hopes to be one of the first to undergo cutting edge surgery in a bid to resurrect vocal chords savaged in a botched operation. The actress hasn't been able to sing since her 1997 surgery to remove non-cancerous nodules on her larynx. She won nearly a million dollars in damages for the operation. Doctors have devised a new technique to remove scar tissue from vocal chords and replace it with a man-made gel called polyethylene glycol, reports the Telegraph.

"The substance is designed to vibrate and behave just like a vocal chord. Animal trials have been very promising," said one of the researchers. "Julie Andrews has been a great supporter. She came into our office and explained that she cannot hold a note because of scarring." Doctors have already made a "map" of the singer's vocal chords.

Actress Julie Andrews' famous singing voice was ruined in a botched operation to remove nodules in 1997.
Actress Julie Andrews' famous singing voice was ruined in a botched operation to remove nodules in 1997.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)
Actress Julie Andrews arrives for ELLE Magazine’s 16th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute in Los Angeles on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009.
Actress Julie Andrews arrives for ELLE Magazine’s 16th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute in Los Angeles on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Dame Julie Andrews hopes she may sing again one day after cutting edge voice surgery.
Dame Julie Andrews hopes she may sing again one day after cutting edge voice surgery.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Kookey90
Oct 26, 2009 7:31 AM CDT
Yes, I remember that scene. To me it was a big let down, she should have kept those rascals covered - obviously it was the desperate act of a failing actress trying to save her career. I do wish her luck on the surgery, since she did have a good voice.
Doctor-Zaius
Oct 23, 2009 11:58 AM CDT
Ever since she went topless in SOB I look at her in a whole different light.
kyleleitch
Oct 23, 2009 9:14 AM CDT
Ugh I want her voice back T_T

 
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