ABSTRACT
To compare the prevalence of vocal cord dysfunctions due to recurrent laryngeal nerve [RLN] injuries in thyroidectomy with and without identification of RLN. A prospective comparative study. The study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Allied Hospital Faisalabad from October 1[st], 2008 to September 30[th], 2009. With an informed and explained consent, the study was conducted on two groups of patients who had thyroidectomy for the treatment of primary goitre. Patients were distributed on alternate basis irrespective the type of goitre into groups A and B for [thyroidectomy with identification of RLN] and [thyroidectomy with out identification of RLN] respectively. Patients of both groups were compared for the prevalence of post- operative vocal cord dysfunctions in association with recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries. Groups A and B had 52 and 53 patients respectively. Post-thyroidectomy vocal cord functions were remained safe in all the patients of group A. However, 3 [5.66%] patients of group B showed altered vocal cord functions in post operative follow up. Prevalence of RLN injuries in Group A and B remained 0% and 3 [2.97%] respectively. Out of three RLN injuries in group B, 2[1.98%] were transient and 1[0.99%] was permanent. Preservation of vocal cords functions and recurrent laryngeal nerves in thyroidectomy is more likely with the exposure and identification of RLN up to larynx