Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Identification and Assessment during Thyroid Surgery: Laryngeal Palpation

Electrical identification and monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) has been proposed as an adjunct to standard visual identification of the nerve during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. This study was undertaken to assess laryngeal palpation as an intraoperative technique for identifying and assessing the RLN during surgery and to investigate the relation between laryngeal palpation and associated laryngeal electromyographic (EMG) activity. The postcricoid region of the larynx during surgery was palpated through the posterior hypopharyngeal wall to sense posterior cricoarytenoid muscle contraction in response to ipsilateral RLN stimulation (i.e., the laryngeal twitch response.) Laryngeal palpation was performed in a series of 449 consecutive thyroid and parathyroid surgeries with 586 RLNs at risk. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy to assess vocal cord mobility. In a subset of patients, laryngeal palpation and simultaneous laryngeal EMG recordings were compared during intraoperative RLN stimulation. In this series, there was no permanent RLN paralysis. There was one case of temporary RLN paralysis secondary to neural stretch that resolved 6 weeks postoperatively (temporary paralysis rate: 0.2% of patients, 0.2% of nerves at risk). Intraoperative laryngeal palpation of the laryngeal twitch response reliably correlated with normal postoperative vocal cord function. Loss of the laryngeal twitch response occurred in the single case of temporary paralysis in the setting of an anatomically intact nerve. Laryngeal palpation correlated well with simultaneous laryngeal EMG activity. There were no palpation-induced laryngeal injuries or laryngeal edema. There were also no RLN injuries due to repetitive neural stimulation. Intraoperative laryngeal palpation during RLN stimulation is a safe, reliable method for neural monitoring that can assist in RLN identification and assessment during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Most importantly, it provides important prognostic information regarding ipsilateral vocal cord function at the completion of the initial side of the thyroid or parathyroid surgery. Intraoperative laryngeal palpation allows the surgeon to stage contralateral surgery if RLN damage is diagnosed, thereby avoiding the potential for bilateral vocal cord paralysis. We believe that laryngeal palpation is useful as an adjunct to formal EMG monitoring during thyroid and parathyroid surgery.     

NERVE STIMULATION IN THYROID SURGERY: IS IT REALLY USEFUL?

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) has been claimed in some studies to reduce rates of nerve injury during thyroid surgery compared with anatomical dissection and visual identification of the RLN alone, whereas other studies have found no benefit. Continuous monitoring with endotracheal electrodes is expensive whereas discontinuous monitoring by laryngeal palpation with nerve stimulation is a simple and inexpensive technique. This study aimed to assess the value of nerve stimulation with laryngeal palpation as a means of identifying and assessing the function of the RLN and external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during thyroid surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective case series comprising 50 consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy providing 100 RLN and 100 EBSLN for examination. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative vocal cord and voice assessment by an independent ear, nose and throat surgeon, laryngeal examination at extubation and all were asked to complete a postoperative dysphagia score sheet. Dysphagia scores in the study group were compared with a control group (n = 20) undergoing total thyroidectomy without nerve stimulation. RESULTS: One hundred of 100 (100%) RLN were located without the use of the nerve stimulator. A negative twitch response occurred in seven (7%) RLN stimulated (two bilateral, three unilateral). Postoperative testing, however, only showed one true unilateral RLN palsy postoperatively (1%), which recovered in 7 weeks giving six false-positive and one true-positive results. Eighty-six of 100 (86%) EBSLN were located without the nerve stimulator. Thirteen of 100 (13%) EBSLN could not be identified and 1 of 100 (1%) was located with the use of the nerve stimulator. Fourteen per cent of EBSLN showed no cricothyroid twitch on EBSLN stimulation. Postoperative vocal function in these patients was normal. There were no instances of equipment malfunction. Dysphagia scores did not differ significantly between the study and control groups. CONCLUSION: Use of a nerve stimulator did not aid in anatomical dissection of the RLN and was useful in identifying only one EBSLN. Discontinuous nerve monitoring by stimulation during total thyroidectomy confers no obvious benefit for the experienced surgeon in nerve identification, functional testing or injury prevention.     

Elucidating mechanisms of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative nerve monitoring during thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, or related central neck procedures can elucidate actual or potential mechanisms of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, especially visually intact nerves, which were previously unknown to the endocrine surgeon. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective evaluation study, 373 patients underwent 380 consecutive thyroidectomy- or parathyroidectomy-related operations using intraoperative nerve monitoring, with 666 RLNs at risk. The success of visual and functional identification of the RLN, persistent loss of RLN function to nerve stimulation, the mechanism and location of RLN injury, and anatomy of the RLN or technical difficulties that appeared potentially risky for RLN injury were recorded. RESULTS: RLN was identified visually or functionally in 98.2% of nerves at risk. Initial intraoperative injury to the RLN occurred in 25 nerves at risk (3.75%). It was significantly more likely to be a visually intact RLN (n = 22; 3.3%) than a transected RLN (n = 3; 0.45%), p < 0.001. Paralysis persisted in 2 RLNs (0.3%). Visual misidentification accounted for only 1 RLN injury; the most common cause of injury resulted from traction to the anterior motor branch of a bifurcated RLN near the ligament of Berry (n = 7; 28%), then paratracheal lymph node dissection (n = 6; 24%), incorporating ligature (n = 4; 16%), and adherent cancer (n = 4; 16%). Fifty nerves at risk (7.5%) were identified as particularly at risk for injury, most notably those with anatomic variants (n = 26; 52%) and large or vascular thyroid lobes (n = 19; 38%). CONCLUSIONS: RLN injury during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy occurs intraoperatively significantly more often to a visually intact RLN than to a transected nerve. The anterior motor branch of an RLN bifurcating near the ligament of Berry is particularly at risk of traction injury.     

Intraoperative Monitoring of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid Surgery

BACKGROUND: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy ranks among the leading reasons for medicolegal litigation of surgeons because of its attendant reduction in quality of life. As a risk minimization tool, intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) has been introduced to verify RLN function integrity intraoperatively. Nevertheless, a systematic evidence-based assessment of this novel health technology has not been performed. METHODS: The present study was based on a systematic appraisal of the literature using evidence-based criteria. RESULTS: Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy rates (RLNPR) varied widely after thyroid surgery, ranging from 0%-7.1% for transient RLN palsy to 0%-11% for permanent RLN palsy. These rates did not differ much from those reported for visual nerve identification without the use of IONM. Six studies with more than 100 nerves at risk (NAR) each evaluated RLNPR by contrasting IONM with visual nerve identification only. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy rates tended to be lower with IONM than without it, but this difference was not statistically significant. Six additional studies compared IONM findings with their corresponding postoperative laryngoscopic results. Those studies revealed high negative predictive values (NPV; 92%-100%), but relatively low and variable positive predictive values (PPV; 10%-90%) for IONM, limiting its utility for intraoperative RLN management. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from navigating the surgeon through challenging anatomies, IONM may lend itself as a routine adjunct to the gold standard of visual nerve identification. To further reduce the number of false negative IONM signals, the causes underlying its relatively low PPV require additional clarification.     

Intraoperative neuromonitoring of surgery for benign goiter

BACKGROUND: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is one of the most serious complications in thyroid surgery. No prospective studies are available that evaluate if the additional use of intraoperative neuromonitoring reduces the rate of RLN palsy. METHODS: Between January 1 and December 31, 1998, surgery for histologically benign goiter with intraoperative identification with and without additional intraoperative RLN neuromonitoring was performed on 4,382 patients in 45 hospitals. Data were collected prospectively by questionnaire. RESULTS: The rate of transient and permanent RLN palsy based on nerves at risk were 1.4% and 0.4% with intraoperative neuromonitoring. These rates were significantly lower (P <0.05) compared with intraoperative visual RLN identification without intraoperative neuromonitoring which resulted in rates of 2.1% and 0.8%, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring decreases the rate of postoperative transient (P <0.008) and permanent (P <0.004) RLN palsies as an independent factor by 0.58 and 0.30, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative neuromonitoring of the RLN in thyroid surgery is recommended because of significantly lower rates of transient and permanent RLN palsy rates in comparison with conventional RLN identification.     

甲状腺癌根治术中发生喉返神经损伤的因素分析

目的对甲状腺癌根治术中发生喉返神经损伤的因素进行调查并分析。方法回顾性分析2010年7月至2015年7月725例甲状腺癌根治术患者临床资料,考察术中发生喉返神经损伤的危险因素。采用SPSS19.0软件分析,性别、麻醉方式、病变性质、是否显露喉返神经、手术次数、手术范围、喉返神经分离方式及操作原则等计数资料的单因素分析采用χ~2检验,多因素分析采用Logistic分析,相关性分析采用Logistic回归分析。P0.05为差异具有统计学意义。结果 725例手术中发生喉返神经损伤28例,发生率3.86%。单因素分析显示多次手术、广泛性手术、术中不显露及非精细化被膜解剖患者喉返神经损伤发生率显著升高(χ~2=7.425、4.657、5.091、4.591,P0.05)。多因素分析显示,非精细化被膜解剖、多次手术、广泛性手术是喉返神经损伤发生的独立危险因素。结论精细化被膜解剖和缩小手术范围有助于降低喉返神经损伤发生率,多次手术术中操作应当更加注意避免损伤。     

显露喉返神经在甲状腺切除中的临床意义

目的探讨显露喉返神经在甲状腺手术中的临床意义。方法回顾性分析2007年4月至2009年10月本院827例甲状腺手术患者的临床资料,根据术中是否显露喉返神经分为显露喉返神经组和非显露喉返神经组。结果显露喉返神经组475例,喉返神经损伤4例,损伤率0.84%;非显露喉返神经组352例,喉返神经损伤17例,损伤率4.83%。两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论甲状腺切除术中显露喉返神经对保护喉返神经是安全和有效的。     

显露喉返神经在甲状腺切除术中的临床意义

目的探讨甲状腺手术中显露喉返神经对防止喉返神经损伤的价值。方法回顾性分析2 481例甲状腺手术患者的临床资料,其中术中显露喉返神经组1 425例和非显露喉返神经组1 056例,比较两组间并发喉返神经损伤的几率。结果显露喉返神经组喉返神经暂时性损伤31例,损伤率为2.18%,无永久损伤病例;非显露喉返神经组喉返神经损伤44例,损伤率为4.17%,其中暂时损伤39例,永久损伤为5例。两组喉返神经损伤率比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论甲状腺手术术中显露喉返神经对保护喉返神经是安全和有效的,对预防或避免医源性喉返神经损伤有重要意义。     

Predictors and consequences of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during open thyroidectomy: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database analysis

BackgroundRecurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a serious complication of thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors and consequences of RLN injury during thyroidectomy.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using the ACS-NSQIP 2016–2017 main and thyroidectomy targeted procedure databases. Data was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression resulting in risk-adjusted odds ratios of RLN injury and morbidity/mortality.ResultsAge ≥65, black race, neoplastic indication, total or subtotal thyroidectomy, concurrent neck surgery, operation time > median, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia were associated with RLN injury. Use of intraoperative nerve monitoring was associated with decreased RLN injuries. RLN injury is a risk factor for overall morbidity, hypocalcemia, hematoma, pulmonary morbidity, readmission, reoperation, and length of stay > median.ConclusionSeveral predictors of RLN injury during thyroidectomy are identified, while use of intraoperative nerve monitoring was associated with a decreased risk of RLN injury. RLN injury is associated increased postoperative complications.     

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring during Thyroid Surgery: Normative Vagal and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Electrophysiological Data

Objective Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) remains a significant cause of morbidity during thyroid surgery. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) is being applied in many centers to facilitate nerve identification. The aim of this study was to elucidate normative human vagal and recurrent laryngeal nerve electromyograhic (EMG) parameters during standard IONM application. Study Design A prospective IONM study conducted over an 8-month period. Internal review board (IRB) approval was obtained. Settings Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston. Subjects and Methods All patients who were scheduled for routine thyroid, parathyroid, or neck exploration surgery were invited to participate. All patients had a preoperative and postoperative laryngeal examination to assess vocal cord function. Any patient with an abnormal preoperative laryngeal examination was excluded. Results Fifty-eight patients participated in this study. The right and left RLN latencies were similar. The left vagus latency was greater than the right vagus but was not significant. The RLN latency was significantly less than the vagus nerve. The right vagus nerve amplitude was significantly greater than the left. There was no difference between male and female amplitudes for either the RLN or vagus nerve. Conclusion This study highlights the electrophysiological/EMG differences and similarities between the RLN and vagus nerve. Normative amplitude measurements for bilateral RLN and vagus nerve stimulation are presented. There are limited data available in the literature on normal RLN and vagal EMG signals generated during thyroid surgery.     

Intraoperative nerve monitoring is associated with a lower risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury: A national analysis of 17,610 patients

BackgroundBased on current evidence, the benefit of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) in thyroid surgery is equivocal.MethodsAll patients who underwent planned thyroid surgery in the 2016–2018 ACS NSQIP procedure-targeted thyroidectomy dataset were included. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the association between nerve monitoring and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury while adjusting for patient demographics, extent of surgery, and perioperative variables.ResultsIn total, 17,610 patients met inclusion criteria: 77.8% were female, and the median age was 52 years. IONM was used in 63.9% of cases. Of the entire cohort, 6.1% experienced RLN injury. Cases with IONM use had a lower rate of RLN injury compared to those that did not use IONM (5.7% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.0001). After adjustment, IONM was associated with reduced risk of RLN injury (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.59–0.82, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsNationally, IONM is used in nearly two thirds of thyroid surgeries. IONM is associated with a lower risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.     

The role of intraoperative neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy: a comparative study on 1000 nerves at risk

BACKGROUND: The role of intraoperative neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroidectomy has not been well established. The present study evaluates whether RLN injury can be reduced by the application of this technique during thyroidectomy in a single center. METHODS: Of 1000 RLNs that were at risk of injury in 639 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy, the outcome of 501 RLNs with the use of neuromonitoring was compared with that of 499 nerves that were operated by routine identification only. The incidences of RLN paralysis were compared between the 2 groups and the assigned risk subgroups. RESULTS: Postoperative palsy was identified in 47 RLNs (4.7%), with complete recovery in 37 of 44 RLNs (84%) without documented injury. The overall incidence of postoperative RLN paralysis was significantly higher during thyroidectomy for malignancy (P = .025) and secondary thyroidectomy (P = .017). There was no significant difference in postoperative, transient, and permanent paralysis rates between the neuromonitoring and control groups. In subgroup analysis, the postoperative RLN palsy rate was higher during reoperative thyroidectomy (19% vs 4.6%; P = .019) in the control group but not in the neuromonitoring group (7.8% vs 3.8%; P > .05). CONCLUSION: Neuromonitoring of the RLN during thyroid surgery could not be demonstrated to reduce RLN injury significantly, compared with the adoption of routine RLN identification. However, its application can be considered for selected high-risk thyroidectomies.     

Sensitivity and Specificity of Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Stimulation Test for Predicting Vocal Cord Palsy after Thyroid Surgery

INTRODUCTION Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy after thyroidectomy, although infrequently encountered, can decrease quality of life. In addition to the hoarseness that occurs with unilateral RLN palsy, bilateral RLN palsy leads to dyspnea and often to life-threatening glottal obstruction. Therefore, intraoperative awareness of the nerve’s status is of great importance. This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of a palpation technique to detect contraction of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) through the posterior hypopharyngeal wall while the RLN was being stimulated with a disposable nerve stimulator during thyroid surgery (the laryngeal palpation test) to predict postoperative RLN deficits. Methods A total of 2197 RLNs in 1376 patients were identified to be at risk of injury during thyroidectomy performed between July 2003 and August 2004. Postoperative RLN integrity was assessed using direct laryngoscopy or laryngofiberoscopy to visualize vocal fold mobility. Results Altogether, 76 RLNs failed to elicit a PCA contraction in response to nerve stimulation, and 80 cases of temporary vocal cord palsy and 21 cases of permanent vocal cord palsy were recognized on postoperative evaluation. For postoperative vocal cord palsy, the sensitivity and specificity of the laryngeal palpation test were 69.3% and 99.7%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 92.1% and negative predictive value of 98.5%. For permanent vocal cord palsy, the sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 97.3%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 23.7% and negative predictive value of 99.8%. Conclusions The laryngeal palpation test is not a particularly useful method for predicting the level of RLN function after thyroidectomy. All patients must be examined postoperatively by direct laryngoscopy or laryngofiberoscopy to check vocal cord mobility. Even if there is no contraction of the PCA and we detect vocal cord palsy immediately after surgery, vocal cord palsy often recovers within 1 year when visual preservation of RLN is successful.     

Revisited anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerves

BACKGROUND: The most frequent postthyroidectomy complication is recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage with subsequent vocal cord palsy. METHODS: We have undertaken an intraoperative study aimed to determine the course, distribution, and RLN's anatomical relationships with adjacent structures. Only its identification and its careful exposure allow prevention of iatrogenic injuries. RESULTS: The RLN was always routinely exposed and identified in 1,543 thyroidectomies. All patients underwent laryngoscopic evaluation before surgery and at the time of discharge. A total of 2,626 RLN were observed. The number of nerves exposed to risk was 673 (25.6%). In the whole series, of 2626 nerves controlled, there were 11 (0.4%) permanent palsies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that damage to the RLN or to one of its branches may be avoided only by identification and careful exposure of the nerve itself. An experienced surgeon with good knowledge of the anatomy of the RLN and its anatomical variations is required for uncomplicated treatment of thyroid disease.     

显露喉返神经在非神经监测与神经监测下单侧甲状腺手术中的临床分析

目的 探讨显露喉返神经在非神经监测与神经监测下单侧甲状腺手术中的临床效果分析.方法 回顾性分析南方医科大学顺德医院2019年1月至2020年11月66例单侧甲状腺手术患者临床资料,根据是否应用喉返神经监测技术分为非神经监测组和神经监测组,每组各33例.非神经监测组钝性分离直接显露喉返神经,神经监测组在神经监测提示下逐步...     

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??A clinical comparative study of real-time recurrent laryngeal nerve moniroring versus conventional exposure during reoperation of thyroid gland LIU Kun-peng, DAI Wen-jie. Department of Thyroid-breast-cell-transplantation Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin150001,China
Corresponding author??DAI Wen-jie??E-mail??davidhmu@163.com
Abstract Objective To compare the difference between real-time recurrent laryngeal nerve??RLN?? monitoring and routine exposure, and investigate the clinical value of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring (IONM) during reoperative thyroid surgery. Methods The clinical data of 118 patients underwent a reoperation for thyroid in Department of Thyroid-breast-cell-transplantation Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from May 2014 to May 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 45 patients with normal preoperative laryngoscope result who were reoperated with IONM combined with the naked eye recognition and protection—the nerve monitoring group. The 45 patients with normal preoperative laryngoscope result who were reoperated by using the method of exposing RLN routinely were selected as the control group—routine exposure group via the random number table method and the principle of 1??1. Recognition rate of RLN, confirming the identification time, transient RLN injury, permanent RLN injury, intraoperative blood loss and the amount of postoperative drainage were compared and analyzed. Results In routine exposure group, RLN was identificated successfully in 39 patients, and the confirmation time is (3.4±0.9) min. The remaining 6 patients (13.3%) had not successfully identified the RLN. Through careful dissection during the operation, confirmation time of RLN was prolonged to (16.5±3.2) min. Through the application of the neural monitoring combined with naked eye recognition, the recognition rate of RLN was 100%, and confirmation time was (2.2±0.8) min. Temporary and permanent RLN injury rate in the nerve monitoring group was lower than that in the conventional exposure group??6.7% vs. 22.2% (P<0.05), 0 vs. 2.2% (P>0.05). Intraoperative blood loss and the amount of postoperative drainage in the nerve monitoring group were less than those in the routine exposure group????12.2±2.9??mL vs.??13.1±1.8??mL??P>0.05??,??40.6±2.8??mL vs.??50.8±3.2??mL??P<0.05??. Conclusion Compared with the conventional exposure, IONM can speed up the recognition of RLN during reoperation of thyroid gland, improve the recognition rate of RLN??reduce the rate of RLN injury and the amount of postoperative drainage. When the dangerous area of RLN is operated??changes in the amplitude of EMG signals can be found by continuous real-time monitoring to ensure the safety of the operation.     

甲状腺手术中喉返神经损伤原因及预防

目的探讨甲状腺手术中喉返神经损伤的医源性原因和防治措施。方法回顾性分析华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院2003年6月至2006年8月间手术治疗甲状腺疾病1174例的临床资料,分析喉返神经损伤41例和再次手术与喉返神经在术中是否被分离显露的关系。结果初次手术、再次手术和2次以上手术暂时性喉返神经损伤率分别为2.1%、3.8%、9.5%,永久性喉返神经损伤率为1.0%、1.5%、4.8%。手术中解剖喉返神经和未解剖喉返神经的暂时性喉返神经损伤率为2.3%、2.5%;永久性喉返神经损伤率为0.2%、2.3%。结论甲状腺癌和甲状腺再次手术容易造成喉返神经损伤。术中常规解剖喉返神经可减少永久性喉返神经损伤。术中喉返神经完整解剖者,术后声嘶多为暂时性,保守治疗可恢复。对原因不明的喉返神经麻痹,应早期手术探查,尽量恢复神经功能。     

显露喉返神经在甲状腺手术中的意义探讨

目的探讨在甲状腺手术中显露喉返神经的意义。方法回顾性分析因甲状腺疾病行手术治疗的1082例患者的临床资料。结果所有患者均常规解剖并显露喉返神经。手术并发症有喉返神经损伤6例（0．5％），甲状旁腺功能减退3例（0．3％），喉上神经损伤2例（0．2％）。甲状腺手书并发症的发生率与水中是否显露喉返神经有密切关系。结论甲状腺手术中显露喉返神经是降低甲状旁腺、喉上神经和喉返神经损伤的重要措施。     

甲状腺切除术中喉返神经损伤的预防

目的:探讨甲状腺手术中喉返神经(recurrent laryngeal nerve,RLN)损伤的原因及预防措施。方法:回顾性分析手术治疗322例甲状腺疾病的临床资料。结果:暂时性RLN损伤6例。结论:熟悉RLN正常解剖和变异,根据患者具体情况选择是否显露RLN是避免RLN损伤的关键。     

甲状腺再次手术中喉返神经实时监测与常规显露临床对比研究

目的 比较甲状腺再次手术中喉返神经实时监测与常规显露的差异,探讨术中喉返神经监测在甲状腺再次手术中应用的临床价值。 方法 回顾性分析2014年5月至2016年5月于哈尔滨医科大学附属第一医院甲状腺乳腺外科接受甲状腺再次手术118例病人资料。其中应用术中喉返神经监测联合肉眼识别保护且术前电子喉镜检查正常者45例（神经监测组）,采用随机数表法,按照1：1对照原则,选取常规显露保护喉返神经且术前电子喉镜检查正常者45例为对照组（常规显露组）。比较分析两组病人在喉返神经识别率、确认识别时间、术后暂时性喉返神经损伤、永久性喉返神经损伤、术中出血量以及术后引流量的差异。 结果 应用喉返神经常规显露肉眼识别保护法,喉返神经顺利识别39例（86.7%）,确认识别时间为（3.4±0.9）min;余6例（13.3%）常规显露未顺利识别喉返神经,经术中细致解剖确认喉返神经时间延长至（16.5±3.2）min,应用神经监测联合肉眼识别保护,喉返神经识别率为100%,确认识别时间为（2.2±0.8）min;暂时性及永久性喉返神经损伤率在神经监测组较常规显露组低,分别为6.7% vs. 22.2%（P<0.05）,0 vs. 2.2%（P>0.05）;神经监测组术中出血量及术后引流量较常规显露组少,分别为（12.2±2.9）mL vs.（13.1±1.8）mL（P>0.05）,（40.6±2.8）mL vs.（50.8±3.2）mL（P<0.05）。结论 甲状腺再次手术中,术中喉返神经监测较常规显露能加快完成喉返神经的确认识别,提高喉返神经的识别率,有效降低暂时性喉返神经损伤率,并且减少术后引流量,有利于术后恢复,在喉返神经周围危险区操作时,连续实时监测发现肌电信号振幅的危险改变,增加手术安全性。