• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.391-394
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• 2017

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury can develop following cervical or thoracic surgery; however, few reports have described intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring. Consensus regarding the use of this technique during thoracic surgery is lacking. We used intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring in a patient with contralateral vocal cord paralysis who was scheduled for completion pneumonectomy. This case serves as an example of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thoracic surgery and supports this indication for its use.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.71-75
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• 2012

Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is the most common and serious complication after thyroid cancer surgery. The objective of this study was to report the advantages of the vein wrapping technique for nerve reconstruction in patients with thyroid cancer invading the recurrent laryngeal nerve and its effects on postoperative phonatory function. The subjects were three patients who underwent resection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during surgical extirpation of papillary thyroid cancer. Free ansa cervicalis nerve graft or direct neurorrhaphy with a vein wrapping technique was used to facilitate nerve regeneration, protect the anastomosed nerve site mechanically, and prevent neuroma formation. One-year postoperative laryngoscopic examination revealed good vocal cord mobility. Maximum phonation time ($19.5{\pm}0.3$ sec) was longer than a previously-reported value in conventional reconstruction patients ($18.8{\pm}6.6$ sec). The present phonation efficiency index ($7.88{\pm}0.78$) was higher than that previously calculated in conventional reconstruction ($7.59{\pm}2.82$). The mean value of the Voice Handicap Index-10 was 6, which was within the normal range. This study demonstrates improvement in phonation indices measured 1 year after recurrent laryngeal nerve reconstruction. Our results confirm that the vein wrapping technique has theoretical advantages and could be favored over conventional reconstruction techniques for invenerate nerve injuries.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.812-816
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• 1985

In the past several years the popularity of the motor cycle has produced an increasing incidence of the injuries to the larynx and trachea. Most of all on accidents come to death and survivors to the hospital are rare. Early diagnosis and to keep air way are necessary to initiate proper treatment in injury of upper air way. Meticulous apposition of mucous membrane and reconstitution of laryngeal skeleton are important. We experienced a rare case of 26 year old men with cricothyroidal transection after trauma. On Oct. 17, 1985, the patient struck his neck on baggage frame of truck when dropping from his motor cycle on sudden stop. Emergency tracheal intubation on distal segment of trachea was accomplished by otolaryngologist in a local clinic. He was transferred to our hospital. Exploration 2 hours later revealed complete separation of cricoid cartilage from thyroid cartilage. The recurrent laryngeal nerve could not be identified. Anastomosis of thyroid and cricoid was accomplished and Portex endotracheal tube was inserted as splint for 10 days. No stenosis developed. The air way appeared adequate for moderate physical activity though paramedian fixation of vocal cord paralysis. Postoperative follow-up course has been good after he discharged on POD 14 days.