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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
05:25
Identification and Protection of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve during Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy
Published on: October 24, 2025
Superior laryngeal nerve injury from thyroid surgery
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago 60612.
Head & Neck
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Thyroid surgery can injure the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN), impacting professional voice users. This study found a 5% incidence of SLN injury after thyroidectomy, highlighting the need for careful diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is a known thyroid surgery complication.
- Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injury is less recognized due to diagnostic challenges.
- This study aimed to determine the incidence of SLN injury post-thyroidectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the incidence of superior laryngeal nerve injury following thyroidectomy.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of laryngeal videostroboscopy and electromyography for SLN injury.
Main Methods:
- Twenty patients undergoing thyroidectomy were evaluated 3 months post-surgery.
- Evaluation included laryngeal videostroboscopy, laryngeal electromyography, and patient interviews.
- A 9-month study period was utilized for patient recruitment.
Main Results:
- One patient (5%) was diagnosed with unilateral superior laryngeal nerve injury.
- The study identified a significant risk of SLN injury during thyroidectomy.
Conclusions:
- Superior laryngeal nerve injury is a significant risk during thyroidectomy.
- SLN injury can have devastating consequences for professional voice users.
- Laryngeal videostroboscopy and electromyography are crucial for diagnosing SLN injury.
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