title: Short-term laryngeal electromyography and histopathological findings after primary reconstruction of the inferior laryngeal nerve in rabbits: prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The recurrent laryngeal nerve can be injured during surgery. This study investigated recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the short-term effects of primary anastomosis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, by laryngeal electromyography and histopathological analysis, in a rabbit model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty Zealand rabbits underwent either right recurrent laryngeal nerve (1) transection with excision of 1 cm or (2) transection and end-to-end primary anastomosis. Vocal fold movements, laryngeal electromyography results and histological changes were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vocal fold analysis showed a paramedian vocal fold in both groups, with perceptible vibratory movements in group two. Electromyography revealed total denervation potentials in group one, but denervation and regeneration signs in group two. Histopathologically, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis of the vocal fold mucosa were seen in group one, and signs of parakeratosis and hyperplasia in group two.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even under ideal conditions for primary recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis, a return to normal muscle function is unlikely. However, such anastomosis prevents muscle atrophy, and should be performed as soon as possible. The degree of nerve recovery is associated with the number, amplitude and myelination level of fibrils returning to the original motor end-plaque.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Izmir Teaching Hospital, Turkey.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dalgic
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kandogan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koc
authors.forename: C Ahmet
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kulan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yagci
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Engin
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aksoy
authors.forename: M Ziya
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Ozuer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007821:Laryngeal Muscles / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011817:Rabbits; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D061226:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology