Neurológia pre prax 5/2012
Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy most commonly occurs as a result of iatrogenic injury following thyroid surgery. Unilateral palsy is predominant. The treatment is conservative and surgical, with the latter being different in unilateral and bilateral palsies. In unilateral palsies, phonosurgical procedures aimed at improving the patient's voice are carried out; in bilateral palsies, airway management is of primary importance. In the case of postoperative bilateral palsy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it is appropriate to consider early surgical revision with a possible release of the nerve or its suture at a specialized centre.
Keywords: recurrent laryngeal nerve, unilateral and bilateral palsy, treatment.
