Intra-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation during anterior cervical discectomy: a simple and effective technique.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is a recognised complication of anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) surgery. We report our experience of intra-operative neuromonitoring using RLN stimulation in 19 patients undergoing ACD surgery. This simple and safe technique has the potential to reduce the incidence of RLN palsy in this patient group.
Department of Neurosurgery, The Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. martin@mtisdall.orangehome.co.uk
M M
MM
Tisdall
C
C
Henn
N L
NL
Dorward
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D007823:Laryngeal Nerves; D007830:Larynx; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000209:etiology