Case Report - Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy following Hemithyroidectomy

Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is a recognised complication of thyroid surgery, resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis of the vocal cords. Although rare, bilateral vocal cord paralysis as a result of thyroid surgery is seen exclusively following total thyroidectomy, resulting in dysphonia and if severe, aspiration and airway compromise.

Here we present a unique case of bilateral vocal cord paralysis following hemithyroidectomy, reviewing the aetiopathogenesis of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and methods employed to prevent this potentially debilitating complication.

This case highlights the need to consider perioperative causes of injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and steps that can be taken to prevent them.

Keywords: Recurrent laryngeal nerve, vocal cord paralysis, hemithyroidectomy, neuropraxis