Thyroidectomy patients with larger lesions requiring neck dissection or postoperative drain use are more likely to experience recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Data from a study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 2024 Annual Meeting suggest that intraoperative nerve monitoring may reduce the risk of nerve injury. Factors such as neoplasm type, clinical toxicity, and M stage were associated with an increased risk of nerve injury. Postoperative factors like hypocalcemia and drain use were also linked to nerve injury. While the study design prevented definitive conclusions about causality, the findings can help healthcare providers counsel patients and inform shared decision-making regarding thyroid surgery risks.
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Monitoring May Reduce Nerve Injury Risk in Thyroidectomy
