Risk factors for thyroid surgery–related unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: We aimed to identify the risk factors for iatrogenic unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) caused by thyroid surgery, to allow the identification of patients requiring nerve-protection procedures and monitoring technologies. Study Design: Retrospective case study in a medical center. Methods: Patients who underwent thyroid surgery from April 2011 to February 2016 and who were diagnosed with UVFP by laryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography were included. Patient demographics, types of surgery, and characteristics of the thyroid lesions were analyzed. Results: Sixty (2.1%) of 2,815 patients who received thyroid surgery developed UVFP. The risk of UVFP was higher in patients over 60 years old (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.26; P =.01). Involvement of the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) occurred in 19 (31.7%) of the 60 UVFP patients, and was more likely to occurr in patients with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 14.19; 95% confidence interval, 3.80-52.94; P