[Intraoperative monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. A new method]

Injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is one of the most frequent complications in thyroid surgery. It leads to a significant morbidity of up to 20%, depending on the type of surgery being performed. We present a new device for intraoperative monitoring of the RLN. The new monitoring system was evaluated in piglets. The system is reliable and easy to use. For the first time even imminent injury to the RLN can undoubtedly be demonstrated by signal changes. It will soon be available for use in humans.