Arytenoid adduction and intra-cartilageal nerve reinnervation for thyroid cancer with postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis

Abstract

We present a case of thyroid cancer who showed postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in spite of preservation of one nerve funicle. Mobility of the vocal cord was not observed 6 months after thyroid operation, and the paralyzed vocal cord showed severe atrophy. Arytenoid adduction and intra-cartilageal reinnervation were performed 7 months after the initial operation. Though maximum phonation time (MPT) was 0 second just before this procedure, MPT was improved to 7.7 seconds immediately thereafter. MPT gradually increased 6 months after the reinnervation, and MPT improved to 18 seconds after 2 years. We consider that this procedure is a useful option for postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis.