Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Identification during Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe a new and simple technique for recurrent laryngeal nerve identification. To determine the usefulness of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) identification during thyroidectomy. One of the most serious complications of neck surgery is recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Numerous studies have shown that intraoperative monitoring of the RLN in adult thyroid surgery can help prevent such injury. This is a prospective study involves 50 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, the study was undertaken in El Fayoum University Hospital from July 2013 till June 2014.

During surgical excision, intraoperative RLN identification was performed with use of methylene blue. True vocal fold mobility was examined by postoperative flexible laryngoscopy.

Intraoperative RLN identification was performed successfully for all patients and we avoided postoperative RLN paresis in all cases.

Intraoperative RLN identification with methylene blue is a safe and reliable technique that can be used during thyroidectomy.