A laryngoscopy-based classification system for perioperative abnormal vocal cord movement in thyroid surgery. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xin, Jingwei; Liu, Xiaoli; Sun, Hui; Li, Jingting; Zhang, Daqi; Fu, Yantao
• Is Part Of: Journal of international medical research. Volume 42:Number 4(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1029
• Page End: 1037
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: Thyroid surgery -- recurrent laryngeal nerve injury -- laryngoscopy; Medicine -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060514535367
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-0605

Abstract

Objective: A retrospective cohort study to develop a classification scheme for abnormal vocal cord movement (AVCM) before and after thyroid surgery. Methods: Clinical and laryngoscopic data from patients who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy were analysed. AVCM was classified as mild (type I), moderate (type II) or severe (type III), according to laryngoscopic findings. Results: The study included 1619 patients, of whom 39 had preoperative AVCM and 65 had postoperative AVCM. Recovery rates for preoperative, postoperative and total type I AVCM were higher than the corresponding type III AVCM. Recovery rates for total type II AVCM were higher than those for type III AVCM at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Asymptomatic patients had better recovery rates than symptomatic patients. Conclusion: We have developed a useful classification system for patients with AVCM after thyroidectomy. Pre- and postoperative laryngoscopy can identify asymptomatic AVCM and is essential to evaluate the extent of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in these patients.