Management of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis
Journal
Surgery of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Brisebois, Simon
Vahabzadeh-Hagh, Andrew M.
Zubiaur, Fermín M.
Merati, Albert
Type
text::book::book part
Abstract
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis is an unfortunate complication in thyroid surgery. It can occur secondary to the surgical technique or because of the disease process itself. In most cases, if the nerve has not been transected, the paralysis can be transient and can recover, although this may take some time. Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can lead to significant dysphonia and dysphagia issues. This complication needs to be evaluated and managed accordingly to mitigate the effects on quality of life of the patient. The thyroid surgeon can count on a variety of tools to rehabilitate the paralyzed vocal fold. Vocal fold augmentation has become increasingly used as a temporary technique to improve symptoms while waiting for spontaneous recovery. Depending on the patient, laryngeal framework surgery and laryngeal reinnervation (LR) can be offered afterward as definitive options once the permanence has been established. In any case, close collaboration with a speech pathology team will help optimize the results along the rehabilitation process. © Surgery of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands (Third Edition)