Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Identification During Thyroidectomy

Authors

Departments of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Fayoum University

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the applicability of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) identification during thyroidectomy. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is one of the most serious complications of surgery in the neck. Numerous studies have demonstrated the utility of intraoperative monitoring of the RLN in adult thyroid surgery to prevent such injury. Patient and methods: It is a prospective study which included 50 patients undergoing thyroidectomy. During surgical excision, intraoperative RLN identification was performed with use of methylene blue. True vocal fold mobility was examined by postoperative flexible laryngoscopy. Results: Intraoperative RLN identification was performed successfully for all patients and we avoided postoperative RLN paresis in all cases. Conclusion: Intraoperative RLN identification with methylene blue can be a useful tool during thyroidectomy and it is a safe and reliable technique

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