Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Damage After Thyroid Surgery

Recurrent laryngeal nerve

Hello Dr.
Yang,
I had thyroid surgery six months ago, which resulted in hoarseness.
After consulting with my doctor, I was told that it would improve after six months, but it has not improved yet.
Could you please tell me if damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve means that recovery is impossible, and would I need a second surgery to correct my vocal cords? Thank you.

tiffany, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/08/25

Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine

Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve during surgery can be temporary or permanent.
If the recurrent laryngeal nerve is permanently damaged, there are currently no methods available to restore its function.

Reply Date: 2003/08/25

More Info

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage is a known complication of thyroid surgery, particularly when the surgery involves the removal of the thyroid gland or nearby structures. The RLN is responsible for innervating the muscles that control the vocal cords, and injury to this nerve can lead to voice changes, hoarseness, or even loss of voice. Understanding the implications of RLN damage and the potential for recovery is crucial for patients who have undergone thyroid surgery.

In your case, it has been six months since your thyroid surgery, and you are still experiencing hoarseness. While some patients may experience spontaneous recovery of vocal function within a few months post-surgery, others may not see improvement, especially if the nerve was significantly injured. The prognosis for recovery depends on several factors, including the extent of the nerve injury, the surgical technique used, and individual patient factors such as age and overall health.

If the RLN was only bruised or partially injured, there is a chance that it may recover over time, and some patients do regain their voice without intervention. However, if the nerve was cut or severely damaged, the likelihood of spontaneous recovery diminishes. In such cases, the voice may not return to its pre-surgery state, and further intervention may be necessary.

In terms of treatment options, if there is no improvement after six months, it is advisable to consult with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) who can perform a thorough evaluation of your vocal cords and the status of the RLN. They may recommend a laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords and assess their movement. If the nerve damage is confirmed and there is significant impairment, surgical options may be considered.

One common surgical intervention for RLN damage is vocal cord medialization, which involves injecting a filler material into the vocal cord to help it come closer together, improving voice quality. In some cases, a more invasive procedure, such as a thyroplasty or reinnervation surgery, may be indicated. These procedures aim to restore vocal cord function and improve voice quality.

It is important to have realistic expectations regarding recovery. While some patients may experience significant improvement with surgical intervention, others may still have residual voice issues. Rehabilitation with a speech-language pathologist specializing in voice therapy can also be beneficial. They can provide exercises and techniques to optimize vocal function and help you adapt to any changes in your voice.

In summary, while there is a possibility of recovery from RLN damage after thyroid surgery, the extent of recovery can vary widely among individuals. If you have not seen improvement after six months, it is essential to seek further evaluation and discuss potential treatment options with a specialist. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so do not hesitate to pursue additional medical advice.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Damage After Thyroid Surgery

Your question: Hello Doctor, if the recurrent laryngeal nerve is affected during thyroid surgery and the vocal cords do not recover on their own after six months, will they never recover, and will surgery be necessary to correct the vocal cords? Thank you... Response from the phy...

Dr. Chen Junliang reply Otolaryngology
Hello Miss Tiffany: The surgical options include the use of Teflon, nerve repair surgery, which requires a joint consultation among a neurosurgeon, an otolaryngologist, and the original surgeon, to make a decision based on the patient's condition.

Can Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury Be Treated Without Surgery?

If a doctor accidentally injures the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery, and after six months of observation and treatment there is still no recovery, is it possible to restore function through neurosurgical treatment, or is surgery to correct the vocal cords necess...

Dr. Hong Xuyi reply Neurosurgery
Hello: In response to your question, your condition cannot be restored through neurosurgical treatment.

Post-Thyroid Surgery Voice Issues: Understanding Causes and Recovery

Hello Dr. Hsieh, My mother-in-law (63 years old) underwent a bilateral thyroid tumor resection three months ago; this was her second surgery. The first surgery was 30 years ago (at age 33), after which she experienced hoarseness, but her voice returned to normal after a month. H...

Dr. Xie Wenhuai reply Surgery
Thyroid surgery typically requires general anesthesia and the insertion of an endotracheal tube, which passes through the vocal cords. As a result, postoperative symptoms often include sore throat and hoarseness, but these usually do not last longer than 10 days and are reversibl...

Treatment Options for Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis After Thyroid Surgery

Hello Dr. Hsu, I underwent thyroid surgery in July 2001, and after the surgery, I discovered that I have left vocal cord paralysis, which has caused difficulty in speaking and choking while eating and drinking. Are there any treatment options available to restore vocal cord funct...

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, your issue may be caused by damage to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Further examination and evaluation may be necessary in an outpatient setting.