J-P Jeannon1, A A Orabi, G A Bruch, H A Abdalsalam, R Simo. 1. Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. jean-pierre.jeannon@gstt.nhs.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) is a recognised possible complication after thyroid surgery. It may present with a variety of symptoms, such as voice change and respiratory symptoms. However, it may remain undetected and the true incidence may be under-reported. The aim of this study was to determine the reported incidence of temporary and permanent palsy after thyroid surgery using different vocal assessment methods. METHODS: A Medline search was performed. A systematic review was undertaken which included 27 articles and 25,000 patients. RESULTS: The average incidence of temporary RLNP after thyroid operations is 9.8% and the incidence of permanent RLNP is 2.3%. The RLNP rate varied according to the method of examining the larynx and ranged from 26% to 2.3%. Most of the reviewed studies recommend a follow-up period up to 1 year to assess and evaluate RLNP. CONCLUSION: Our study has identified that different methods are used to diagnose RNLP and that a wide variety of reported RLNP rates exist. We propose establishment of a 'gold standard' for assessing the voice after thyroidectomy to reduce reporting bias.
BACKGROUND: Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) is a recognised possible complication after thyroid surgery. It may present with a variety of symptoms, such as voice change and respiratory symptoms. However, it may remain undetected and the true incidence may be under-reported. The aim of this study was to determine the reported incidence of temporary and permanent palsy after thyroid surgery using different vocal assessment methods. METHODS: A Medline search was performed. A systematic review was undertaken which included 27 articles and 25,000 patients. RESULTS: The average incidence of temporary RLNP after thyroid operations is 9.8% and the incidence of permanent RLNP is 2.3%. The RLNP rate varied according to the method of examining the larynx and ranged from 26% to 2.3%. Most of the reviewed studies recommend a follow-up period up to 1 year to assess and evaluate RLNP. CONCLUSION: Our study has identified that different methods are used to diagnose RNLP and that a wide variety of reported RLNP rates exist. We propose establishment of a 'gold standard' for assessing the voice after thyroidectomy to reduce reporting bias.
Authors: Yarah M Haidar; Ronald Sahyouni; Omid Moshtaghi; Beverly Y Wang; Hamid R Djalilian; John C Middlebrooks; Sunil P Verma; Harrison W Lin Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2017-10-31 Impact factor: 3.325
Authors: David O Francis; Kelly Williamson; Kristen Hovis; Alexander Gelbard; Albert L Merati; David F Penson; James L Netterville; C Gaelyn Garrett Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2015-07-07 Impact factor: 3.325