title: Transient bilateral vocal fold paralysis after total thyroidectomy.
abstract: Vocal fold paralysis is a serious complication of thyroidectomy that is worrisome for health providers and potentially disastrous for the patient and family. A 56-year-old woman presented with bilateral vocal fold paralysis immediately after routine thyroidectomy and neck dissection for a large goiter with compressive symptoms. She was extubated the next day with full recovery of vocal fold motion. We discuss possible causes of vocal fold paralysis, including surgical, metabolic and anesthetic factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Ermita, Manila 1000 Philippines.
authors.forename: Alexander Edward
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Dy
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine - Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines, Manila.
authors.forename: Jose Florencio F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Lapeña
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*