Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-tj2md Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-19T16:07:16.791Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Use of a disposable electrode for recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

V. Srinivasan*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, James Paget Hospital, Great Yarmouth, U.K.
D. J. Premachandra
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, James Paget Hospital, Great Yarmouth, U.K.
*
Address for correspondence: V. Srinivasan, Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Leighton Hospital, Crewe CF1 4QJ. Fax: 01270 252611 Email: 106020.1256@compuserve.com

Abstract

Our experience with a non-invasive, disposable electrode for intra-operative identification and monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is described. The electrode system, while simply attached to the endotracheal tube, acts as a laryngeal surface electrode and detects electromyographic activity of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles when the recurrent laryngeal nerve is stimulated. We have successfully used this electrode to monitor 19 recurrent laryngeal nerves in 15 patients who have undergone partial or total thyroidectomy. We feel that this device can be useful particularly in cases of re-exploration and malignancies of the thyroid gland.

Type
Short Communication
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Barwell, A., Lytle, J., Page, R., Wilkins, D. (1997) The NIM-2 nerve integrity monitor in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. British Journal of Surgery 84: 854.Google ScholarPubMed
Eisle, D. W. (1996) Intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Laryngoscope 106: 443449.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Engel, P. M. A., Buter, H. A., Page, P. S., Mos, A. (1981) A device for location and protection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during operations upon the neck. Surgery Gynecology Obstetrics 152: 826837.Google ScholarPubMed
Gavilan, J., Gavilan, C. (1986) Recurrent laryngeal nerve identification during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery 112: 12861288.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hvidegaard, T., Vase, P., Dalsgaard, S. C., Jorgenson, K. (1984) Endolaryngeal devices for perioperative identification and functional testing of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery 92: 292294.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jatzko, G. R., Lisborg, P. H., Muller, M. G., Wettee, V. M. (1994) Recurrent nerve palsy after thyroid operations – Principal nerve identification and a literature review. Surgery 115: 139144.Google ScholarPubMed
Khan, A., Pearlman, R. C., Binachi, D. A., Houck, K. W. (1997) Experience with two types of electromyography monitoring electrodes during thyroid surgery. American Journal of Otolaryngology 18: 99102.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lahey, F. H. (1938) Routine dissection and demonstration of recurrent laryngeal nerves in subtotal thyroidectomy. Surgery Gynecology Obstetrics 66: 775777.Google Scholar
Lipton, R. J., McCaffrey, T. V., Litchey, W. J. (1988) Intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring of laryngeal muscle during thyroid surgery. Laryngoscope 98: 12921295.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Maloney, R. W., Murcek, B. W., Steehier, K. W., Silby, D., Maloney, R. E. (1994) A new method for intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring. Ear, Nose and Throat Journal 73: 3033.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Premachandra, D. J., Radcliffe, G. J., Stearns, M. P. (1990) Intraoperative identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and demonstration of its function. Laryngoscope 100: 9496.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rea, J. L., Davies, W. E., Templer, J. W. (1979) Recurrent laryngeal nerve locating system. Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology 88: 9294.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rea, J. L., Khan, A. (1994) Recurrent laryngeal nerve location in thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy: use of an indwelling laryngeal surface electrode with evoked electromyography. Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery 5: 9196.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rice, D. H., Cone-Wesson, B. (1991) Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery 105: 372375.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Riddel, V. H. (1970) Thyroidectomy: Prevention of bilateral recurrent nerve palsy. British Journal of Surgery 57: 111.Google Scholar
Spahn, J. G., Bizal, J., Ferguson, S., Lingeman, R. E. (1981) Identification of the motor laryngeal nerves—a new electrical stimulation technique. Laryngoscope 91(11): 18651868.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Woltering, E. A., Dumond, D., Ferrara, J., Ferrar, W., James, A. G. (1984) A method for intraoperative identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. American Journal of Surgery 148: 438440.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed