Intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroid gland surgery / 中华内分泌外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the experience of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) system for monitoring and protection of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid surgery.Methods A total of 220 cases were enrolled in this study (53 males and 167 females),with the median age of 38.2 years old.There were 85 cases of thyroid cancer,19 cases of thyroid benign tumor,90 cases of thyroid goiter,3 cases of Hashimoto's diseases,and 23 cases of hyperthyroidism.113 cases had tumors larger than 5 cm in diameter.During the procedure,2 recording needle electrodes were put in cricothyroid muscle and 1 stimulator electrode was explored in tracheoasophageal groove.If any RLN was fight there or nearby,doctors can see the electromyogram and hear the toothonk.With careful dissection,RLN can be found out till exploring into the larynx site.Results Electromyogram showed in 207 cases (278 nerves),and it didn't show in 13 cases,among whom 9 cases were false-negative because of system or annesthesia problems,4 cases didn't manage to have needle electrodes put in properly due to cricothyroid muscle being invaded.No permanent RLN paralysis occoured.Transient nerve paralysis occurred in 2 cases,who recovered in 1 month after operation.Conclusion IONM system is an effective way to avoid damage to RLN in thyroidectomy.