title: Vocal fold paresis and paralysis: what the thyroid surgeon should know.
abstract: The thyroid surgeon must have a thorough understanding of laryngeal neuroanatomy and be able to recognize symptoms of vocal fold paresis and paralysis. Neuropraxia may occur even with excellent surgical technique. Patients should be counseled appropriately, particularly if they are professional voice users. Preoperative or early postoperative changes in voice, swallowing, and airway function should prompt immediate referral to an otolaryngologist. Early recognition and treatment may avoid the development of complications and improve patient quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Lakeshore Professional Voice Center, Lakeshore Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, 21000 East 12 Mile Road, Suite 111, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081, USA. rubinad@sbcglobal.net
authors.forename: Adam D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Sataloff
mesh_terms: D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007823:Laryngeal Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007830:Larynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010291:Paresis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery