Journal of Pain & Relief
Open Access

Abstract

Thyroidectomy is a common procedure carried out and it is relatively safe. However, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is an established morbidity due to injury of the nerve postthyroidectomy with a variable prevalence. Symptoms such as hoarseness, breathing difficulties and problems in phonation can arise. Many risk factors are associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and several common mechanisms of injury need to be considered by surgeons. Various anatomical landmarks are used to identify the recurrent laryngeal nerve intraoperatively with differing levels of prevalence and significance in identifying the nerve. Variations of the nerve have also been extensively studied due to their association with nerve injury and complicating the procedure for many surgeons. Preventative methods can be used to mitigate against recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, although considerable controversy exists as to the most effective method.

Biography

Shahzeb Sheikh is a medical student at the University of Leeds and has just recently completed a BSc in Clinical Anatomy as part of an intercalated programme. He will be returning to 5th year of medical school in September 2022 where he will graduate in 2023.