The use of direct laryngoscopy and ultrasound in the perioperative assessment of mobility of vocal folds in patients treated surgically due to goiter

Journal Title: Polish Journal of Surgery - Year 2019, Vol 91, Issue 0

Abstract

Poland has about 25000–30000 thyroid glands operations per year. These kind of operations are in fourth place as to the frequency of scheduled operations. Most patients have total thyroidectomy. In addition to the classic method of accessing the collar cut at the neck, there are also alternative access, e.g. through the vestibule of the mouth or armpit. Surgery carries the risk of serious and even life-threatening consequences. One of the most serious complications of this surgery is failure of one or both laryngeal recurrents nerves. Laryngeal recurrents nerves are responsible for the proper functioning of vocal folds. Depending on the failure degree, results in disruption of phonation, difficulties in taking solid and liquid food, limitation of physical performance, impaired breathing to respiratory failure. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of early injury of the laryngeal nerves by evaluating the operation of vocal folds in direct laryngoscopy and ultrasonography. The study was carried out from 15/05/2018 to 17/01/2019 at the Department of General and Oncological Surgery. The patients were qualified for random examination from among the total number of patients qualified for goiter surgery in the Clinic. Direct laryngoscopy was performed in the Endoscopic Laboratory of the General and Oncological Surgery Clinic of the Medical University of Lodz. The ultrasound of the vocal folds was performed in the Department of Diagnostic Imaging. In the study period, 42 patients were qualified to participate in the study. In the study group, bilateral, early paresis of vocal folds was diagnosed in two patients (4.76%) and unilateral early paresis of vocal fold in seven patients (16.67%). Both operations, complicated by bilateral paresis of vocal folds, were performed without the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM - intraoperative neuromonitoring). One-sided paresis of vocal folds occurred in 3 patients (7.14%) operated without neuromonitoring, and 4 patients (9.52%) with intraoperative neuromonitoring. The study found that a severe complication in the form of early bilateral paresis of vocal folds occurred in operations without the use of neuromonitoring. A similar occurrence of one-sided damage to the vocal fold indicates a lack of connection with the additional support used in the form of intraoperative neuromonitoring.<br/><br/>

Authors and Affiliations

Paweł Kumoniewski, Lech Pomorski, Magdalena Derlatka-Kochel, Agata Majos

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP599482
  • DOI 10.5604/01.3001.0013.2094
  • Views 90
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How To Cite

Paweł Kumoniewski, Lech Pomorski, Magdalena Derlatka-Kochel, Agata Majos (2019). The use of direct laryngoscopy and ultrasound in the perioperative assessment of mobility of vocal folds in patients treated surgically due to goiter. Polish Journal of Surgery, 91(0), 22-26. https://europub.co.uk./articles/-A-599482