The mechanism and prevention of invisible injury of RLN in thyroid surgery: the application of intraoperative neuromonitoring system / 中华内分泌外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism and prevention of invisible injury of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) system in thyroid surgery, with the application of intraoperative neuromonitoring ( IONM ) system. MethodsThe type of invisible RLN injury and its protection with the application of IONM system were analyzed. ResultsThe causes of invisible RLN injury mainly included stretching of Berry ligament or the tumor,contusion, thermal injury, cutting of silk and suction injury. RLN invisible injury was recoverable through neurotrophic and symptomatic treatment. No permanent vocal cord paralysis occurred. ConclusionsWith the application of IONM system, some invisible type of RLN injuries can be found. The risk of RLN injury can be reduced if the surgical techniques are improved with the development of study on mechanism of IONM system.