Interpretation of Loss of Signal in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring and Staged Thyroidectomy

Lee, Dong Won

doi:2022.2.1.7

J Neuromonit Neurophysiol > Volume 2(1); 2022 > Article

Review article

Journal of Neuromonitoring & Neurophysiology 2022;2(1):7-13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54441/jnn.2022.2.1.7 Published online May 30, 2022.

수술 중 신경모니터링시 신호 소실의 해석과 단계적 갑상선 절제술

이동원

Interpretation of Loss of Signal in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring and Staged Thyroidectomy

Dong Won Lee

Abstract

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has been introduced as a promising technology that can help minimize recurrent nerve injury. The IONM can identify anatomical variations and unusual nerve routes, which are associated with increased risks of injury if they are not identified. The IONM helps predict postoperative nerve function. Moreover, by detecting nerve injury intraoperatively, it allows a surgeon to stage bilateral surgery to avoid bilateral vocal cord paralysis and tracheotomy. This review summarizes definition of electrophysiologic adverse signal including loss of signal, and their incorporation into the staged bilateral thyroidectomy process.

Key Words: Thyroid surgery, Bilateral vocal cord palsy, Intraoperative neuromonitoring, Recurrent laryngeal nerve, Staged thyroidectomy