Routine examination of the vocal cords before and after thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

A prospective study of the value of routine examination of the vocal cords in 239 patients before and after thyroid or parathyroid surgery is presented. From the patient's history and voice the surgeon assessed before and after operation whether vocal cord examination was necessary or not. The surgeon's judgement was compared with the phoniatrician's report. All except one of the documented recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies were suspected by the surgeon. No additional important clinical information was gained by the laryngologist's examinations. Routine vocal cord examination in connection with thyroid and parathyroid surgery is probably not necessary.