title: Intraoperative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in robotic thyroid surgery.
abstract: This study evaluated the technical feasibility and efficacy of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) to aid its identification and preservation during robotic thyroidectomy (RoT). IONM of the RLN was evaluated in 30 consecutive patients undergoing RoT. All patients underwent an indirect laryngoscope examination to objectively assess vocal cord function. Their Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) was measured to subjectively assess vocal cord function preoperatively and at postoperative months 1 and 3. Of the 56 RLNs at risk in 30 patients undergoing RoT, all were visualized and identified by IONM. The IONM sensitivity for postoperative permanent RLN palsy was 100%, with a positive predictive value of 100%. The mean VHI-10 scores preoperatively and at postoperative months 1 and 3 were 0.20±0.66, 3.47±5.04, and 1.53±2.47, respectively (P<0.001). IONM of the RLN during RoT is technically feasible and effective for identifying this nerve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University Division of Surgery, Thyroid Center, Seoul National University Cancer Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong Sik
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.forename: Su-Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D061226:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures; D013965:Thyroidectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology