Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) following esophagectomy for carcinoma

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2005 Apr;31(3):277-81. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2004.10.007.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to report the frequency of post-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) following resection for esophageal carcinoma.

Patients and methods: Four hundred and four patients were studied. Diagnosis of post-operative RLNP was performed by indirect laryngoscopy. Tumour characteristics, surgical approach and perioperative morbidity and mortality following esophageal resection were recorded.

Results: Sixty patients were diagnosed with post-operative RLNP, of whom 47 had a unilateral and 16 a bilateral lesion. RLNP was more frequently diagnosed after transhiatal resection with cervical esophagogastrostomy as compared to abdomino-thoracic resection (p=0.06). A higher rate of post-operative pneumonia was evident in patients with RLNP (33 of 63 as opposed to 90 of 341; p=0.027).

Conclusion: RLNP is associated with a significant morbidity, especially pulmonary complications after resection of esophageal cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma / surgery*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Esophagectomy / adverse effects*
  • Esophagectomy / methods*
  • Esophagectomy / mortality
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia / etiology
  • Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Analysis
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / complications
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / etiology*