Abstract
Vocal cord paralysis (VCP) is a well-known complication after thyroidectomy operation which may occur due to direct or indirect injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Indirect damage to the RLN may be due to compression or stretch of the nerve and usually results in transient VCP. Here, we report a case of bilateral VCP developed after total prophylactic thyroidectomy due to RET proto-oncogene mutation. The patient was successfully extubated after 3 days of waiting with anti-edema treatment. Despite protective measures, thyroidectomy may result in injury to LRN leading to VCP. A trial of waiting period with anti-edema treatment seems to be a reasonable approach in patients with temporary VCP.
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Sahin Sincar, Emine Akkuzu, and Gokhan Kalkan. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Sahin Sincar and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Conceptualization: Sahin Sincar; Methodology: Sahin Sincar, Emine Akkuzu, and Gokhan Kalkan; Writing (original draft preparation): Sahin Sincar, Emine Akkuzu, Gokhan Kalkan; Writing (review and editing): Sahin Sincar, Emine Akkuzu, Gokhan Kalkan; Resources: Sahin Sincar; Supervision: Gokhan Kalkan.
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Sincar, S., Akkuzu, E. & Kalkan, G. Hopeful Waiting Before Disappointment: Vocal Cord Paralysis After Thyroidectomy. Indian J Surg 82, 693–694 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-019-02030-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-019-02030-y