Preoperative laryngeal nerve screening for revision anterior cervical spine procedures

Anterior cervical spine procedures carry an inherent risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. Patients with persistent RLN paresis may be asymptomatic because of compensation from the opposite side. If such patients undergo an opposite-side anterior approach for revision surgery, they are at risk for a second RLN injury, creating the potential for bilateral vocal fold paresis and possible need for tracheotomy. A program of routine screening for laryngeal paresis was implemented for these patients. This retrospective study reviews the results of this screening process.

Patients referred for preoperative laryngeal nerve screening were identified. Their charts were reviewed for the results of the videolaryngoscopic examination, and for any recommendations made based on the findings. Relevant history and other physical findings were recorded.

Fifty screening laryngeal examinations were performed in 47 patients, of whom 31 (66%) had previously undergone a single anterior cervical approach procedure, and 16 (34%) had undergone more than one. Thirteen of the examinations (26%) revealed abnormal laryngeal findings, including paresis or paralysis in 11 cases (22%), of which 5 were asymptomatic. The findings resulted in a recommendation of a cervical approach from the already-involved side. None of the revision procedures resulted in bilateral vocal fold paralysis. The risk of laryngeal nerve injury appears to increase as higher cervical levels are approached.

Minimally symptomatic injuries of the laryngeal nerves from prior neck surgery create a potential serious risk of bilateral vocal fold paralysis with subsequent procedures. Preoperative laryngeal screening is a simple and effective method for reducing this risk.