Bilateral Adductor Nerve Palsy Following Total Thyroidectomy: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endocrinology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) palsy is a known complication.
• Bilateral RLN paralysis is a rare but significant outcome.

Observation:

• A 35-year-old female presented with dysphonia post-thyroidectomy.
• Clinical presentation and recovery pattern suggested a non-surgical etiology for the palsy.
• The case highlights the possibility of non-operative causes for adductor palsy.

Findings:

• Non-surgical causes of RLN adductor palsy present differently from surgical causes.
• Prompt diagnosis of the palsy's cause is essential for effective management.
• Most cases of non-surgical adductor palsy show nerve recovery without requiring tracheostomy.

Implications:

• Surgeons must consider non-surgical etiologies for RLN palsy post-thyroidectomy.
• Differentiating surgical from non-surgical causes impacts patient management strategies.
• Knowledge of non-surgical adductor palsy improves surgical outcomes and patient recovery.