TUBERCULOSIS OF THE LARYNX: TREATMENT BY SURGICAL INTERVENTION IN THE SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR LARYNGEAL (RECURRENT) NERVE: A REPORT BASED ON SEVENTY-NINE CASES

Abstract

The superior laryngeal nerve, essentially the sensory nerve of the larynx, has played an important part in the treatment of tuberculosis of the larynx during the last two decades; but only for the last five or six years has the recurrent nerve been considered in this connection. I believe it is worth while to go somewhat into detail regarding the part these two nerves play. SUPERIOR LARYNGEAL NERVE The relief of the pain on swallowing is of the utmost importance in the treatment of laryngeal tuberculosis, because as a consequence of the pain there is a diminished intake of food, leading to the rapid failing of the patient. For a long time attempts have been made, by the application of various remedies to the larynx, to make the lot of the patient bearable. However, these local applications must be made daily, and their efficacy is of short duration—if they