Zentralblatt für Chirurgie
-
The transligamental intraoperative neuromonitoring of the recurrent nerve is established in many surgical clinics as an useful and reliable technique. It is especially suitable to identify the recurrent nerve and to monitor its function during thyroid operation. We have analysed 14 early postoperative recurrent nerve palsies between June 1997 and December 2000 (1,23 % related to nerves at risk). ⋯ In 3 patients we found a positive nerve signal but nevertheless these patients showed postoperative unilateral recurrent palsies. The possible reasons are discussed. We are convinced that the neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is an important progress in thyroid surgery.
-
Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a distressing complication of thyroid surgery. The reported incidence varies between 0.4 and 13.8 % and is directly correlated to the extent of thyroidectomy. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze whether simultaneous autotransplantation of at least one parathyroid gland during total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease could reduce the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism. ⋯ Simultaneous autotransplantation of at least one parathyroid gland during total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease seems to minimize the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism. The potential of routine autotransplantation in this setting has to be evaluated. The incidence of postoperative temporary hypocalcemia may be elevated with this policy.