Correct option is ... external laryngeal nerve

Nerve injury during thyroidectomy is a potential complication of the surgery. The most commonly affected nerves are the recurrent laryngeal nerve and, to a lesser extent, the superior laryngeal nerve. Here’s a detailed overview:

▎1. Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury

• Function: The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) controls the muscles of the vocal cords. Injury to this nerve can lead to vocal cord paralysis, resulting in hoarseness, difficulty speaking, or airway obstruction.

• Incidence: The risk of RLN injury varies depending on factors such as the type of surgery (total vs. partial thyroidectomy), the surgeon's experience, and the presence of thyroid cancer. Rates of transient RLN injury can be around 5-10%, while permanent injury is less common (approximately 1-2%).

• Symptoms of Injury:

• Hoarseness or changes in voice

• Difficulty breathing

• Coughing or choking during eating

• Weakness in voice

▎2. Superior Laryngeal Nerve Injury

• Function: The superior laryngeal nerve innervates the cricothyroid muscle, which helps in pitch modulation. Injury can result in difficulties with high-pitched sounds.

• Incidence: This injury is less common than RLN injury but can still occ

ur during thyroid surgery.

• Symptoms of Injury:

• Difficulty hitting high notes while singing

• Voice fatigue

▎3. Prevention Strategies

Surgeons employ several techniques to minimize the risk of nerve injury during thyroidectomy:

• Identification and Preservation: Surgeons often attempt to identify and preserve the nerves during dissection.

• Intraoperative Monitoring: Some surgeons use nerve monitoring techniques to help identify the nerves during surgery.

• Experience and Technique: Surgeons with extensive experience in thyroid surgery may have lower rates of nerve injury.

▎4. Management of Nerve Injury

• Observation: In cases of transient vocal cord paralysis, voice therapy and time may allow for recovery.

• Voice Therapy: Speech-language pathologists can provide therapy to help patients adapt and improve vocal function.

• Surgical Intervention: In cases of permanent injury, surgical options such as vocal cord medialization or reinnervation may be considered.

▎Conclusion

While nerve injury is a potential complication of thyroidectomy, careful surgical technique and monitoring can significantly reduce the risk. Patients should discuss their concerns and the surgeon's experience with thyroid surgeries before the procedure to better understand potential risks and outcomes.