Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring and Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery

Abstract

Laryngeal nerve injury is a well-defined risk in thyroid surgery. The reported incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury varies considerably, with rates of permanent paralysis ranging from 0.5% to 2.4% and temporary paresis ranging from 2.6% to 5.9%.¹ However, these reports may underestimate the true incidence of RLN injury, because most surgeons do not routinely perform preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy. There is a wide spectrum of clinical findings associated with iatrogenic RLN injury, including no discernible affect, hoarseness, impaired vocal register, swallowing difficulties, and aspiration.