Bilateral hypoglossal nerve injury following the use of the laryngeal mask airway

A healthy 54-year-old man undergoing elective knee arthroscopy developed bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy, lasting 6 weeks following the use of a laryngeal mask airway. He suffered impairment of speech and difficulty in swallowing, the latter resulting in almost 7 kg loss of weight within 2 weeks of surgery. We discuss the possible aetiology of the injury and review the literature describing injuries to the hypoglossal nerve.