Laryngeal Nerve → Repair and Protection During Thyroidectomy

Laryngeal nerve repair during thyroid surgery is a topic of great importance for both patients and surgeons. Dr. Akira Miyauchi from Kuma Hospital in Kobe, Japan is an expert in this field and has shared his knowledge and experience on the topic.
The laryngeal nerve is a crucial nerve that controls the movement of the vocal cords. During thyroid surgery, it is located close to the thyroid and can sometimes be damaged or severed, leading to paralysis of the vocal cords. However, Dr. Miyauchi explains that this damage can be avoided if the surgeon is aware of the location of the laryngeal nerve and takes the necessary precautions to preserve it.
In cases where the laryngeal nerve is damaged or severed due to cancer invasion, reconstruction surgery can be performed to repair the nerve. This can include direct anastomosis, nerve grafting, or nerve transfer. While the movement of the vocal cord may not fully recover, the vocal cord will recover from atrophy and the space between the vocal cords will become narrower, leading to a nearly normal voice within two or three months.
Dr. Miyauchi stresses the importance of having a surgeon who is experienced and familiar with the technique of laryngeal nerve repair during thyroid surgery. He also emphasizes the importance of interoperative neural monitoring systems, which can help identify and preserve the laryngeal nerve during surgery.
In conclusion, laryngeal nerve repair during thyroid surgery is a complex topic that requires the expertise of a skilled and experienced surgeon. Patients should be aware of this issue and ask their surgeon about their experience and familiarity with this technique. Additionally, active surveillance, or avoiding surgery altogether, can also be a way to protect the laryngeal nerve.

[@tabby4990]

I developed vocal dysfunction after Target radiation. I was diagnosed stage 4 thyroid cancer and it spread to my vocal cord and muscle on side of my neck. Had surgery radioactive radiation therapy - did not work. Cancer spread to same place in 6 months and also spread to some lymph nodes and nodules 8 all down the side of my neck & all the way down under collar bone. Had Second surgery and this time did Target radiation. Half way through the 3 month of daily treatments I had my vocal cord -first episode. My throat felt very raw from treatment and I guess I had bad yeast infection developing in my throat from high dose steroids and radiation. Suddenly my vocal cord shut completely without notice or any symptoms. Besides feeling dry. I couldn’t Breath at all! The pain during these episodes is bad. Because the body is struggling to breath so it puts pain down both arms and the chest and even the legs! Ambulance came but you can’t talk during an episode I dialed 911 and I couldn’t talk so they came asap! When they came I was starting to snap out of the episode but sounded like a seal when I’d breath because the cord isn’t open all the way. I get episodes often especially if I catch a cold or sinus infection because of the nasel drip. But anything can trigger the episode because the nerve is hyper sensitive. The things that can cause an episode but not always which makes it hard to know when it will happen beside the tickle or itchy feeling I get seconds before is… yawning, dry throat, smells like vinegar, chilé smells, cleaners, soap, even steam, spices, talking, eating -textures of foods, even drinks like coffee or tea, alcohol. Food that are spicy, crusty like crumbs, toast, chips, raw carrots, raw apples, raw broccoli and even cooked if not literally soggy. It’s scary and drs say, “oh, it will only last a couple mins and you’ll snap out of it. Try to relax because it will relax the vocal cord. The worst thing is you’ll pass out but then it will open up” well let me see how they feel not able to breath and especially when they happen back to back to back. It feels like I always have like a popcorn shell stuck on the far back side of my tongue where the nerve is always irritated. One dr gave me atrovent inhaler to spray and let of fall back of the throat but not inhale to help relax the cord faster but it usually aggravates it first and makes it worse before it helps. Because it stings. It also can cause yeast infection too so it’s not a win win situation. I get anxiety from this condition now.

[@barryizon7779]

praying for you ❤

[@debragarcia1701]

Just had cancerous nodule removed a few days ago. I thought I did my research and hired a very experienced surgeon. However, he damaged my vocal cord nerve and now I’m silent and very carefully living on liquids. Now I’m hoping the nerve paralysis recovers in the coming weeks.
So frustrating.

[@barryizon7779]

I had the same experience too, I can feel you dear we can not live a normal life anymore only us can understand the feeling of frustration, depression and many other negative emotions but let us keep on fighting

[@debragotch1370]

Thank you for the interview. Very Helpful. Is there a test eg mri to confirm if the nerve has been severed?

[@yoyokiki8147]

Thank you for the information my larengal nerve is cut during surgery and i am living with the consiquances foe the last 12 years becouse i am from the 3rd world country ethiopia

[@barryizon7779]

same situatiob dear lets keep on fighting

[@ldav2006]

I had thyroid surgery 5 yrs. ago. Doc said my nerve was damaged. I can no longer sing like i used to. Maybe i should have found a better surgeon but didn't know any better at the time.