Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve electrophysiologic monitoring

Abstract

This study proves the value of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve electrophysiologic monitoring in reducing the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury inthyroid surgery. we used two different methods of intraoperative monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve: The disposable electrode system and. the laryngeal mask anaesthesia with intraoperative flexible laryngoscopy.

We successfully identified and preserved fifteen at risk recurrent laryngeal nerves in ten patients who have undergone hemi or subtotal thyroidectomy using these two techniques.

We recommend the use of either of these two techniques as routine for intraoperative monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery especially in professional voice users and in operations in which the recurrent laryngeal nerve identification is difficult and the nerve is at higher risk of Injury.