Intraoperative neuromonitoring of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve during robotic thyroid surgery: a preliminary prospective study.
10.4174/astr.2015.89.5.233
- Author:
Su Jin KIM
1
;
Kyu Eun LEE
;
Byung Mo OH
;
Eun Mee OH
;
Dong Sik BAE
;
June Young CHOI
;
Jun Pyo MYONG
;
Yeo Kyu YOUN
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kyueunlee@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Robotic surgical procedures;
Thyroidectomy;
Laryngeal nerves;
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring
- MeSH:
Electromyography;
Humans;
Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring;
Laryngeal Nerves*;
Phonation;
Prospective Studies*;
Thyroid Gland*;
Thyroidectomy;
Voice;
Voice Quality
- From:Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
2015;89(5):233-239
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of monitoring external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during robotic thyroid surgery. METHODS: A total of 10 patients undergoing bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic thyroid surgery were enrolled. The nerve integrity monitor (NIM Response 2.0 System) was used for EBSLN monitoring. We performed voice assessments preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively using Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), maximal phonation time (MPT), phonation efficient index (PEI), and laryngeal electromyography (EMG). RESULTS: A total of 19 EBSLNs were at risk and 14 EBSLNs (73.7%) were identified using neuromonitoring. VHI-10 showed a change of voice over time (0.1 vs. 3.6 vs. 1.3); however, this was not statistically significant. VHI-10 scores normalized at 3 months postoperatively compared to the preoperative scores. MPT (a) (16.0 vs. 15.6 vs. 15.4), and MPT (e) (20.1 vs. 15.4 vs. 18.5) showed no significant differences preoperatively compared to the values obtained 1 and 3 months postoperatively. There was a significant change of PEI over time (4.8 vs. 1.1 vs. 4.6) (P = 0.036); however, the values normalized at 3 months postoperatively. Laryngeal EMG results showed 4 cases (21.2%) of neuropathy of EBSLNs at 1 month postoperatively, and electrodiagnostic studies revealed nearly complete recovery of the function of EBSLNs in 4 patients at 3 months postoperatively CONCLUSION: It is suggested that neuromonitoring of EBSLNs during BABA robotic thyroid surgery is feasible and might be helpful to preserve voice quality.
