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Updated: May 13, 2025
01:00
Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
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Impact of Sternothyroid Muscle Division on Patient-Reported Swallowing Outcomes Following Thyroid Surgery: A
Joshua Barlow1, Benjamin M Laitman1, Juan Nogues1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
Summary
Dividing the sternothyroid muscle during thyroidectomy improves surgical exposure without negatively affecting patient-reported swallowing function. This technique is safe for patients undergoing thyroid surgery, maintaining voice and swallowing quality.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Sternothyroid muscle division during thyroidectomy enhances surgical visualization of the thyroid gland, superior pole vessels, and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN).
- Previous research from our group indicated no adverse impact on postoperative voice outcomes with this surgical approach.
- However, the role of strap muscles in swallowing necessitates an investigation into the effect of sternothyroid division on dysphagia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of sternothyroid muscle division during thyroidectomy on patient-reported dysphagia.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, consecutive cohort study was conducted at a single institution.
- 114 adult patients undergoing total or lobar thyroidectomy with sternothyroid muscle division were enrolled, excluding those with preoperative dysphagia.
- Patient-reported swallowing outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was observed in mean EAT-10 scores between preoperative and postoperative assessments (0.63 vs 0.75, P=.677).
- These findings were consistent across various patient subgroups, including sex, reflux history, extent of muscle division, goiter substernal resection, and final pathology.
- Intraoperative nerve monitoring and postoperative laryngoscopy confirmed the integrity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and EBSLN.
Conclusions:
- Division of the sternothyroid muscle during thyroidectomy is a valuable technique for improving surgical exposure.
- This surgical approach does not adversely affect patient-perceived swallowing function.
- The technique can be safely employed without compromising swallowing outcomes.
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