Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring Research Articles

259. ROBOTIC ESOPHAGECTOMY AND THREE FIELD LYMPHADENECTOMY WITH INTRA-OPERATIVE RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE MONITORING

Abstract https://www.dropbox.com/s/uu8gju382tkch29/3FTTE_ISDE_SJ_0423.mp4?dl=0. Background Surgery for esophageal malignancy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in cases requiring extensive lymphadenectomy. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury can result in hoarseness, aspiration, pneumonia, tracheostomy, and could even be life-threatening. A 33 year old lady with a lower thoracic esophageal squamous carcinoma with left trachea-esophageal groove nodes in the superior mediastinum underwent a Xi robotic esophagectomy and three field lymphadenectomy with intra-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods We used a bronchial blocker (COOPDECH bronchial blocker, Daiken-Iki Corporation, Japan) with a single-lumen electromyographic (EMG) endotracheal tube) (NIM EMG endotracheal tube, Medtronic Xomed, Jacksonville, FL, USA) for lung isolation along with capnothorax. Semiprone position with 3 robotic ports and an assistant port was utilised. Nerve monitoring provided an audiovisual waveform when either the vagus or the RLN was stimulated and transformed the laryngeal muscle activity into EMG signals. Grounding electrodes were placed on the patient’s shoulder or near the sternum. A prerequisite for adequate and effective nerve monitoring is the avoidance of neuromuscular blockers during anesthesia. Results Esophageal mobilisation was done in the standard fashion. The lymphadenectomy along the recurrent laryngeal nerves in the mediastinum and neck was guided by the nerve identification and stimulation utilising the long intra-thoracic nerve monitoring probes. In the mediastinum, the right recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified taking off from the right vagus along the lateral border of the trachea and looping around the right subclavian artery. The thoracic left recurrent nerve was identified in the aorto-pulmonary window as well along the left lateral border of the trachea in the trachea-esophageal groove where the metastatic lymph nodes were identified on radiology. Conclusion Minimally invasive esophagectomy is now the preferred modality for surgical extirpation of esophageal malignancies, with extensive lymphadenectomy used in appropriate cases. Interventions to reduce postoperative morbidity resulting from the dissection of nodes around the RLN need to be used. The use of IONM is associated with lower RLN palsy rates and superior lymph nodal yield and needs to be investigated with large-scale randomized studies for beneficial clinical outcomes.

Multidisciplinary approach to vascular rings and vascular-related aerodigestive compression: a clinical practice review.

Vascular rings, including double aortic arch and right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian and left ligamentum, are part of a larger group of vascular-related aerodigestive compression syndromes that also includes innominate artery compression syndrome, dysphagia lusoria, aortic arch anomalies, and aneurysms of either the aorta or pulmonary artery. Additionally, post-surgical airway compression is a distinct entity in itself. The approach to the diagnosis and management of these varied phenomena has been streamlined by the multidisciplinary team at Boston Children's Hospital. Echocardiography, computed tomographic angiography, esophagram, and three-phase dynamic bronchoscopy are routinely performed in these patients in order to produce a comprehensive understanding of the unique anatomic challenges that each patient presents. Adjunctive diagnostic techniques include modified barium swallow, routine preoperative and postoperative screening of the vocal cords, and radiographic identification of the artery of Adamkiewicz. Beyond the vascular reconstruction, which ranges from subclavian-to-carotid transposition to descending aortic translocation, we liberally apply tracheobronchopexy and rotational esophagoplasty to relieve respiratory and esophageal symptoms. Due to the heightened risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring has become routine in these cases. The comprehensive care of these patients requires the coordinated efforts of a large team of dedicated personnel in order to achieve the optimal result.

Proving the Superiority of Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring over Visualization Alone during Thyroidectomy.

Vocal fold paralysis after thyroid surgery is still a dangerous complication that significantly reduces patients' quality of life. Since the intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technique has been introduced and standardized, the most frequently asked question is whether its use has significantly reduced the rate of RLN injury during thyroid surgery compared to visual identification alone (VA). The aim of this study was to attempt to prove the superiority of IONM over VA of the RLN during thyroid surgery in the prevention of vocal fold paralysis, taking into account risk factors for complications. The medical records of 711 patients (1265 recurrent laryngeal nerves at risk of injury) were analyzed retrospectively: in 257 patients/469 RLNs at risk, thyroid surgery was performed with IONM; in 454 patients/796 RLNs at risk, surgery was performed with VA. The statistical analysis showed that in the group of patients with IONM only one risk factor-the surgeon's experience-proved statistically significant (OR = 3.27; p = 0.0478) regarding the overall risk of vocal fold palsy. In the group of patients where only visualization was used, 5 of the 12 factors analyzed were statistically significant: retrosternal goiter (OR = 2.23; p = 0.041); total thyroid volume (OR = 2.30; p = 0.0284); clinical diagnosis (OR = 2.5; p = 0.0669); gender (OR = 3.08; p = 0.0054) and risk stratification (OR = 3.30; p = 0.0041). In addition, the cumulative risk, taking into account the simultaneous influence of all 12 factors, was slightly higher in the group of patients in whom only VA was used during the procedure: OR = 1.78. This value was also considerably more statistically significant (p < 0.0001) than that obtained in the group of patients in whom IONM was used: OR = 1.73; p = 0.004. Conclusions: Risk factors for complications in thyroid surgery are not significant for any increase in the rate of vocal fold paralysis as long as surgery is performed with IONM, in contrast to thyroid surgery performed only with VA, thus proving the superiority of IONM over VA for safety.

Clinical Outcome of Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring during Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy and Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection for Esophageal Cancer.

Mediastinal lymph dissection in esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancer is important. The dissection of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) lymph nodes could cause RLN injury, vocal cord palsy, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effects of intraoperative RLN monitoring in esophagectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection in preventing RLN injury and vocal cord palsy. This study included 75 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for esophageal cancer with (38 patients) and without (37 patients) IONM at Changhua Christian Hospital from 2015 to 2020. The surgical and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Patients in the IONM group had more advanced clinical T status, shorter operation time (570 vs. 633 min, p = 0.007), and less blood loss (100 mL vs. 150 mL, p = 0.019). The IONM group had significantly less postoperative vocal palsy (10.5% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.006) and pneumonia (13.2% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.014) than that in the non-IONM group. IONM was an independent factor for less postoperative vocal cord palsy that was related to postoperative 2-year survival. This study demonstrated that IONM could reduce the incidence of postoperative vocal cord palsy and pneumonia.

Paediatric thyroidectomy: When and why? A 25-year institutional experience

ObjectiveThyroidectomy in paediatric patients is relatively uncommon. In this study, we reviewed our experience of thyroidectomy in children and identified risk factors associated with postoperative complications. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of paediatric patients who had thyroidectomy in our institution between April 1995 and January 2021. Demographic data, preoperative cytological findings, indications of surgery, surgical complications and histological results were analysed. ResultsA total of 87 paediatric patients with 92 thyroidectomy were identified. The indications for surgery were Graves’ disease refractory to medical treatments (40.2%), benign thyroid nodules or multinodular goitre (26.4%), thyroid carcinoma (23.0%) and multiple endocrine neoplasm type 2A syndrome (10.3%). Patients presented with thyroid nodules or cervical lymph nodes had a 43.9% risk of malignancy.66 total thyroidectomy were done with median operation time of 134 min(102–170), while 26 hemi-thyroidectomy were performed (Right side 12/92, Left side 14/92) with median operation time of 65 min(49–102). The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days(1–4). Intraoperative neck dissection (p = 0.003), drain insertion (p = 0.001) and hypocalcaemia requiring medical treatment (p = 0.004) were associated with longer hospital stay.The median follow-up was 11.3 years (3.0–16.8). 32% patients had immediate postoperative hypocalcaemia and 8% patients had permanent hypoparathyroidism. Transient vocal cord palsy was found in 3 patients(3%) and all resolved within 5-month time upon reassessment direct laryngoscopy. The use of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring was associated with less vocal cord palsy (p = 0.022).The median disease-free survival was 13.7 years(7.4–17.7) for patients operated for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma(WDTC). amongst the 9 patients who had prophylactic total thyroidectomy for MEN2A syndrome, 44% were found to have medullary thyroid microcarcinomas on pathology. ConclusionsSurgical management of paediatric thyroid disease can be complex. Postoperative hypocalcaemia and vocal cord palsy were usually transient after total thyroidectomy. The use of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring had resulted in less vocal cord palsy. Long-term disease-free survival of patients with thyroid cancer had been achieved with multi-disciplinary management in our centre.Level of Evidence: Retrospective Comparative Study; Level III

Invited Commentary: Intraoperative Percutaneous Ultrasound Examination of the Larynx: A New Adjunct to Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring.

Invited Commentary: Intraoperative Percutaneous Ultrasound Examination of the Larynx: A New Adjunct to Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring.

Electromyography Endotracheal Tube – Road to Safety for Thyroid Surgery

Thyroidectomy is one among the most commonly performed endocrine surgeries. Iatrogenic injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is of major concern in thyroid surgery. We report the case of a 37-year-old female with papillary carcinoma of thyroid posted for total thyroidectomy. Although direct identification of the nerve is considered as the gold standard, we discuss the intraoperative monitoring of RLN using electromyography endotracheal tube and its anaesthetic considerations.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of different doses of rocuronium for general anesthesia on thyroid surgery

The most common complication of thyroid anesthesia is recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and anesthesia drugs affect the intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring indicators, especially nerve blockers, which can cause muscle relaxation and affect vocal cord contraction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimal dose of rocuronium during general anesthesia (GA) during thyroid surgery by meta-analysis. Chinese and English databases were searched by the combination of "thyroid", "general anesthesia", and "rocuronium bromide". Publications which took double dose rocuronium GA surgery as the double group and normal dose rocuronium GA surgery as the normal group were included, and Review Manager 5.3 (Rev Man 5.3) was employed for meta-analysis. A total of fifteen publications were included in the meta-analysis and an overall heterogeneity test was conducted to obtain the results. Comparison of the operation time between the double group and the normal group showed the mean difference (MD): 20.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): (11.48, 30.39) min, Z=4.34, I2=94%, and P<0.0001, while that of bleeding volume between the double group and the normal group showed the MD: -24.34, 95% CI: (-28.11, -20.58) mL, Z=12.67, I2=91%, and P<0.0001. Comparison of drainage volume between the double group and the normal group showed the MD: 24.40, 95% CI: (19.84, 28.96) mL, Z=10.49, I2=68%, and P<0.0001, and between hospitalization days between the double group and the normal group showed the MD: -13.50, 95% CI: (-18.02, -8.97) days, Z=5.85, I2=99%, and P<0.0001. Finally, comparison of satisfaction between the double group and the normal group showed risk ratio (RR): 2.16%, 95% CI: (1.88%, 2.48%), Z=10.91, I2=0, and P<0.0001. Rev Man 5.3 was employed to obtain the funnel chart of each observation indicator, and the circles of some publications were concentrated on the midline and symmetrical, indicating the research accuracy was high and there was no bias in the publications. This meta-analysis confirmed that a double dose of rocuronium can meet the needs of anesthesia induction and GA during thyroid surgery.

Trends in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for Thyroid Surgery: A Point-Prevalence Survey in Korea

Background and Objectives To determine the trends in the use of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) monitoring during thyroid surgery in Korea. Materials and Methods A web-based anonymous survey was sent to 594 members of the Korean Intraoperative Neural Monitoring Society (KINMoS), who perform thyroid surgeries in Korea. Topics included in the survey covered the demographics, practice setting, surgical volume, access and familiarity with intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technology, use of IONM, perceived advantages or disadvantages, and qualitative and quantitative descriptions of IONM usage. The χ² test was used to examine associations between the use of IONM and dependent variables. Results A total of 78 (13.1%) people completed the survey. Of the respondents, 78.1% answered that they use IONM in at least some thyroid cases: 28% answered that they always use it and 50% used it occasionally. The most common reason for using IONM was because “it is helpful in special cases,” while “cost” was the most common reason for not using IONM. Among the study population, surgeons in tertiary hospitals and those with high surgical volumes used IONM frequently. Surgeons using IONM were often involved in medical education and were more likely to recommend the use of IONM. Statistical correlation was also confirmed between laryngeal examination and IONM utilization. Conclusion IONM is used for thyroid surgeries at a relatively high rate in Korea. Its use is associated with training, hospital setting of the current surgical practice, annual number of surgeries, involvement in medical training/education, familiarity with IONM, and device availability.

Meta-analysis on continuous nerve monitoring in thyroidectomies.

In the last decade, the introduction of continuous intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) monitoring (C-IONM) has enabled the operator to verify the functional integrity of the vagus nerve-recurrent laryngeal nerve (VN-RLN) axis in real-time. We aim to present the current evidence on C-IONM utility for thyroid surgery by conducting the first meta-analysis on this technique. A systematic review of literature was conducted by two independent reviewers via Ovid in the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane reviews databases. The search was limited to human subject research in peer-reviewed articles of all languages published between Jan 1946 and April 2020. Medical subject headings (MeSH) terms utilized were thyroid surgery, thyroidectomies, recurrent laryngeal nerve, vagal nerve, monitor, and stimulation. Thirty-eight papers were identified from Ovid, another six papers were identified by hand-search. A random effect meta-analysis was performed with assessment of heterogeneity using the I2 value. A total of 23 papers that investigated the use of continuous vagal nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery were identified. The proportion of nerves at risk (NAR) with temporary RLN paralysis postoperation was 2.26% (95% CI: 1.6-2.9, I2 = 37). The proportion of NAR with permanent RLN palsy postoperation was 0.05% (95% CI: 0.08-0.2, I2 = 0). In this meta-analysis, there is one case of temporary vagal nerve paralysis secondary to VN electrode dislodgement, and a case of hemodynamic instability manifested in bradycardia and hypotension in the initial phase of surgery shortly after calibration. C-IONM is a safe and effective means by which RLN paralyses in thyroid surgery can be reduced.

Effect of remimazolam on intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery: a case series.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring is widely used to prevent accidental injury during thyroid surgery. Anesthesia should be performed without muscle relaxant or agents with high muscle-relaxant potency. Remimazolam, a novel intravenous anesthetic, became available for clinical use in 2020. Remimazolam is an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine with a very high clearance rate. However, there are very few data regarding its effect on currently used intraoperative neurological monitoring. Five patients underwent thyroid surgery using intraoperative recurrent laryngeal neuromonitoring. In all cases, intubation was performed after the administration of rocuronium. Anesthesia was maintained by continuous administration of remimazolam at the recommended dose and remifentanil, and no additional rocuronium or sugammadex was administered. Recurrent laryngeal nerve activity could be detected at the first stimulus after surgery was started, and monitoring continued thereafter. Intraoperative monitoring was performed without problems and all surgeries were completed without any complications. Anesthesia with remimazolam at the normal dose did not prolong the time to first positive electromyogram in patients undergoing thyroid surgery, and enables intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring to be performed without any serious perioperative adverse events. Remimazolam may provide a comparable quality of anesthesia to that of existing drugs for neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery.

Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring using endotracheal electromyography during parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

ObjectiveTo investigate the factors associated with adherence of an enlarged parathyroid gland to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the effectiveness of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM).MethodsThis single-center retrospective study involved samples from 197 consecutive patients (394 RLNs; 733 parathyroid glands) who underwent parathyroidectomy and transcervical thymectomy between September 2010 and December 2014. The presence of parathyroid gland adhesion to the RLN and the clinical characteristics of patients with and without nerve adhesion were recorded. All patients underwent intraoperative monitoring of the electromyographic responses of the vocal cords using the endotracheal NIM-Response 3.0 system. The patients’ postoperative clinical outcomes were recorded.ResultsParathyroid gland adhesion to the RLN was significantly associated with maximum gland diameter (>15 mm), weight (>500 mg), and the presence of nodular hyperplasia. IONM demonstrated a sensitivity of 97.8%, specificity of 43.5%, and accuracy of 94.7% for detecting nerve damage. Parathyroid gland adhesion to 17 RLNs occurred in 3 cases (17.6%) of vocal cord paralysis, whereas the 377 glands without nerve adhesion resulted in vocal cord paralysis in 20 cases (5.3%).ConclusionOur findings demonstrated the effectiveness of IONM using endotracheal electromyography in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Pediatric Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery: A Mini Review.

Objective: Review techniques for intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) monitoring during pediatric surgery for esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, tracheobronchomalacia, and cardiac surgery.Summary Background Data: Literature was reviewed for reports of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring in cervical, thoracic, and cardiac surgical procedures which place the RLNs at risk for injury.Methods: Review paper.Results: The RLN is at risk during pediatric surgery for esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, tracheobronchomalacia, and cardiac surgery. Intraoperative nerve monitoring has decreased rates of RLN injury in thyroid surgery. Intraoperative RLN monitoring techniques appropriate for pediatric surgery are discussed, including endotracheal tubes with integrated surface electrodes, adhesive surface electrodes for smaller endotracheal tubes, endolaryngeal electrodes, and automatic periodic continuous intra-operative stimulation.Conclusions: Multiple techniques exist to monitor the RLN in children undergoing cervical, cardiac, and thoracic surgery. Monitoring the RLN during procedures that place the RLNs at risk may help decrease the rate of RLN injury.

Role of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring for pediatric thyroid surgery: Comparative analysis.

The data on the advantages of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) during pediatric thyroid surgeries are limited. We aimed to study the role of IONM by comparing between children who underwent thyroid surgery with and without IONM. A retrospective study of all children who underwent thyroid surgery between 2001 and 2019. The study included 113 patients with 183 recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) at risk. Transient paralysis rate was more than 5-fold lower in the IONM group compared to the control group (1.5% vs 8%; P = .114). Permanent paralysis was documented only in the control group (2.5% vs 0%; P = .552). Children <10 years and those who underwent central neck dissection had significantly higher rates of RLN injury. IONM was associated with decreased rate of RLN injury during pediatric thyroid surgery and should be considered especially in children under 10 years of age and those undergoing concomitant central neck dissection.

Precision Neuromuscular Block Management for Neural Monitoring During Thyroid Surgery

Introduction Titration of neuromuscular block (NMB) plays a key role in intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery. The combination of neuromuscular blocking agent and timely partial reversal of NMB was investigated in both animal experiments and clinical neuro-monitored thyroidectomy. Methods In animal experiments, 8 piglets received sugammadex to assess the laryngeal EMG recovery after rocuronium-induced NMB. In clinical monitored thyroidectomy, 40 patients each were allocated to conventional group and sugammadex group. Conventional group received rocuronium 0.3 mg/kg at anesthesia induction, while sugammadex group received partial NMB recovery protocol- 0.6 mg/kg of rocuronium at anesthesia induction and 0.5 mg/kg of sugammadex. Main outcome was assessed by first (V1) and final (V2) EMG signal induced by vagal stimulation. Results In the porcine model, 50% recovery of laryngeal EMG amplitude was achieved at 16.8 ± 1.9 and 6 ± 2.7 minutes respectively after 0.5 and 1 mg/kg of sugammadex (p < 0.01). In monitored thyroidectomy, EMG amplitudes at V1 in group S and group C were 1214 ± 623 and 915 ± 476 μV, respectively (p = 0.02). Positive and adequately high EMG amplitudes were observed at the early surgical stage for all patients. Sugammadex groups were superior to conventional group in EMG tube placement (p < 0.001). Conclusion Both porcine model and clinical application showed that precise NMB management by low-dose sugammadex was effective for intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM). The regimen ensured optimal conditions for tracheal intubation and timely neuromuscular function restoration for high-quality EMG signal.

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy with left recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring for thoracic esophageal cancer in a patient with a right aortic arch: a case report

BackgroundSurgery for cases of thoracic esophageal cancer with a right aortic arch is rare, and the anatomic abnormalities in such patients necessitate a different surgical approach. Since the position of the recurrent laryngeal nerve often differs from the usual in these cases, the lymph node dissection around the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is an important step in surgery for thoracic esophageal cancer, requires careful attention. There are some reports on the usefulness of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during esophageal cancer surgery. Herein, we report a case of successful thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in a patient with a right aortic arch using intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring.Case presentationA 70-year-old man was diagnosed as having esophageal cancer (Ut, type 0-IIc, T1b/MtLt, type 0-IIc, T1b, N2, M0, cStage II) and was treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery. Preoperative CT examination revealed a right aortic arch, and based on the findings of 3D-CT, we classified the right aortic arch as type IIIB1 (Edwards classification), which is the most frequent type of right aortic arch. We performed thoracoscopic esophagectomy via a left thoracic approach with the patient placed in the prone position, cervical esophagogastric conduit reconstruction via the retrosternal route, and three-field lymph node dissection. Although Kommerell’s diverticulum could be easily confirmed, the descending aorta took a meandering course, making it difficult for the esophagus to be mobilized and detached and therefore also to identify the ductus arteriosus and left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring using NIM-RESPONSE® 3.0 (Medtronic Japan, Tokyo, Japan) allowed the position of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve to be accurately determined, and upper mediastinal lymph node dissection and mobilization of the upper thoracic esophagus were performed safely. Postoperatively, the patient showed no evidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, but needed conservative treatment for anastomotic leakage. The patient was discharged 46 days after the surgery.ConclusionIt was suggested that intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring is useful in esophageal cancer with a right aortic arch undergoing surgery, in whom anatomic abnormalities of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can be expected.

Easier Left Sided Bronchial Blocker Placement Using Middle Fixation of Endotracheal Tube and Real Time Wireless Video Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

In our institute, Dr. Cherng’s article: “Middle fixation of electromyographic endotracheal tube for intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring

The EZ-blocker for one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: clinical applications and experience in 100 cases in a routine clinical setting

BackgroundIn certain clinical situations the insertion of a double-lumen tube (DLT) for one-lung ventilation (OLV) is not feasible or unfavorable. In these cases, the EZ-Blocker (EZB) may serve as an alternative. The aim of our analysis was to report on the clinical applications and our experience with the EZB for one-lung ventilation in 100 patients undergoing thoracic surgery.MethodsAll anesthetic records from patients older than 18 years of age undergoing general anesthesia in the department of thoracic surgery with intraoperative use of an EZB for OLV at the University Hospital of Erlangen in four consecutive years were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsMost frequently, EZB was used in difficult airway (27%) and for surgical procedures with high risk for left recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (21%), followed by application in intubated (12%) or tracheostomized (11%) patients. 11% of the patients had an increased risk of gastric regurgitation. Almost all EZBs were placed free of complications (99%). Clinically sufficient lung collapse was achieved in all patients. No serious airway injuries or immediate complications were documented.ConclusionsThe EZB is an efficient, easy-to-use and safe airway device and enables OLV in several clinical situations, when conventional DLTs are not feasible or less favorable. Three major applications were depicted from the data: expected difficult airway, surgical procedures with necessity of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and already intubated or tracheostomized patients.

Continuous intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery. The Greek experience

Introduction: Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is a serious complication of thyroid surgery. The anatomic dissection and visual identification of the inferior laryngeal nerve is the standard of care to avoid this complication. The intermittent intraoperative nerve stimulation technique has failed to improve nerve safety. The continuous recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring is a promising new technique, currently under study to evaluate its feasibility and safety outcomes. We present our experience of applying this method in a private thyroid surgery clinic in Greece

Experience of Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve monitoring in a Single Center-normative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Electromyographic Data

ABSTRACT Introduction Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) remains a significant morbidity during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The aim of this study is to elucidate normative RLN electromyographic (EMG) parameters. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent Intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid and parathyroid surgery from February 2014 to March 2015. The inomed C2 NerveMonitor was used. We recorded the stimulation current, amplitude, and latency of the RLN before and after nerve dissection. We also observed the number of patients who had hoarse voice after surgery. Results A total of 46 patients (14 male, 32 female) averaging 51 years old in age (20-77 years) were analyzed. The most commonly performed surgical procedure was total thyroidectomy (53.2%). The median stimulation current for both the right and left RLN was 0.500 mA. The median amplitude for the left RLN was 1.060 mV and greater than that for the right RLN (0.930 mV) (p = 0.30). The median latency for the right RLN and left RLN was 2.40 ms with no difference between the sides. (p = 0.58). Post dissection, the right RLN amplitude remained identical whereasthe left RLN amplitude decreased. Latencies of both RLNs decreased although the difference was not significant. Nature of pathology and site of surgery did not influence RLN latency and amplitude. No patients had hoarse voice. Conclusion This study highlights the normative EMG parameters for bilateral RLN nerve stimulation in an Asian population. No significant difference was noted in both pre- and postdissection RLN EMG parameters. How to cite this article Soh G, Lee JWK, Boon OH, Boon TW, Parameswaran R, Yuan NK. Experience of Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve monitoring in a Single Centernormative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Electromyographic Data. World J Endoc Surg 2017;9(1):1-6.