Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Liberations and Reconstructions: A Single Institution Experience

• DOI: 10.1007/s00268-015-3305-0
• Publication Date: 2015-11-09T19:41:24Z
• Authors: Radan Dzodic; Ivan Markovic; Nada Santrac; Marko Buta; Igor Djurisic; Silvana Lukic
• Keywords: Vocal Cord Paralysis; Cardiothoracic surgery; Thyroid disease

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy rates vary from 0.5 to 10%, even 20% in thyroid cancer surgery. The aim of this paper was present our experience with RLN liberations and reconstructions after various mechanisms injury.Patients were treated institution year 2000 2015. First group (27 patients) had large benign goiters, locally advanced thyroid/parathyroid carcinomas, or incomplete previous surgery malignant disease. Second (5 reoperations due paralysis on laryngoscopy. Liberations injured RLNs performed.Surgical exploration central compartment enabled identification the injury mechanism. performed 11 patients, 2 months 16 years injury, by removing misplaced ligations. Immediate delayed (18 23 years) 21 direct suture ansa cervicalis-to-RLN anastomosis (ARA). liberation provided complete voice recovery within 3 weeks all patients. Patients sutures better phonation 1 month reconstruction. Improved observed 2-6 ARA 43% patients.Vocal cords do not regain normal movement once being paralyzed transection, but they restore tension during Nerve is a useful method which enables patients paresis/paralysis significant improvement phonation, recovery. Reinnervation vocal cords, using one mentioned techniques, should be standard parathyroid surgery, improve quality patient's life.