Abstract
The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury from esophagectomy has been quoted anywhere from 2 to 20 %. This is more often associated with cervical anastomoses and three-field lymph node dissection. Dysfunction of the RLN results in a change in voice, dysphagia, increased perioperative pulmonary complications, as well as decreased quality of life.
Complications of unilateral recurrent laryngeal dysfunction include change in a patient’s voice and a decreased ability to safely swallow, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. When treating these patients, it is important to restore swallowing function and treat the vocal cord paresis or paralysis in an expeditious manner. Based on the prognosis and likelihood of recovery, temporary or permanent medialization of the vocal cord can be undertaken. This chapter will explore the work-up, management, and treatment (temporary and long-term surgical options) of RLN injury in the postoperative and outpatient setting.
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Dooley, L., Shaha, A. (2015). Management of Airway, Hoarseness, and Vocal Cord Dysfunction After Esophagectomy. In: Pawlik, T., Maithel, S., Merchant, N. (eds) Gastrointestinal Surgery. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2223-9_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2223-9_6
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