Electrophysiologic laryngeal nerve monitoring in high-risk thyroid surgery.
We recently began performing intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve during high-risk thyroidectomies. Neuromonitoring can detect stimulation of these nerves and thereby prevent a mechanical or thermal injury that can result in neurapraxia or axonotmesis. Monitoring is also useful during dissection in an already operated-on field, when performing thyroidectomy on patients who depend on their voice for their livelihood, and when removing a large goiter or mediastinal mass.
Song
Phillip
P
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City, USA.
Shemen
Larry
L
D000328:Adult; D004566:Electrodes; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061224:Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*