[Bilateral vocal cord paresis after total thyroidectomy]

Chirurg. 2016 Jan;87(1):65-8. doi: 10.1007/s00104-015-0125-6.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A 66-year-old female patient complained of hoarseness and dyspnea under exertion following total thyroidectomy. Due to a faulty operating technique both nerves to the vocal cords were damaged. From the operation report it emerged that the dissection was carried out by protecting the border lamellae but the recurrent laryngeal nerve could not be found on both sides. This article presents the external expert opinion, the decision of the arbitration board and the assessment of the case by two specialist physicians.

Keywords: Capsular dissection; Guidelines; Intraoperative; Neurophysiological monitoring; Nodular goiter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Compensation and Redress / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Expert Testimony / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Goiter, Nodular / surgery*
  • Guideline Adherence / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Intraoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring
  • Malpractice / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries / etiology*
  • Thyroidectomy*
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / diagnosis*
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / etiology*
  • Vocal Cords / innervation*