Avoiding Complications of Thyroidectomy: Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve and Superior Laryngeal Nerve Preservation

Kevin Y Liang; Joseph Scharpf

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2023.08.001

Avoiding Complications of Thyroidectomy: Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve and Superior Laryngeal Nerve Preservation

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2024 Feb;57(1):75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.08.001. Epub 2023 Sep 21.

Authors

Kevin Y Liang¹, Joseph Scharpf²

Affiliations

¹ Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A71, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
² Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A71, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 37741708
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.08.001

Abstract

Both the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves are at risk for injury during thyroid surgery. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation is key for surgical planning. Exposing nerves through careful dissection is the safest strategy to minimize injury risk. Intraoperative neural monitoring can be beneficial for both identifying and preserving the nerves.

Keywords: Recurrent laryngeal nerve; Superior laryngeal nerve; Thyroidectomy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Laryngeal Nerves / physiology
Laryngeal Nerves / surgery
Monitoring, Intraoperative / adverse effects
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries* / etiology
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries* / prevention & control
Thyroidectomy* / adverse effects