Total thyroidectomy is safer with identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve

Objective:To investigate the effect of recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN)identification on the complications after total thyroidectomy and lobectomy.Methods:Total 134 consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy from January 2003 to November 2004 were investigated retrospectively.Patients were divided into two groups:RLN identified (Group A)or not(Group B).The two groups were compared for RLN injury and hypocalcaemia.Results:The numbers of patients and nerves at risk were 71 and 129 in Group A,and 63 and 121 in Group B,respectively.RLN injury in Group A(0)was sig- nificantly lower than that in Group B(57.9%)patients,75.8%nerves)for the numbers of patients(P=0.016)and nerves at risk (P=0.006).Temporary hypocalcaemia was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B(1424.1%vs 610.3%,P=0.049). Permanent complications in Group B were significantly higher than those in Group A(1320.6%vs 45.6%,P=0.009).Con- clusion:RLN injury was prevented and permanent complications were decreased by identifying the whole course and branches of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during total thyroidectomy.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells accelerate nerve regeneration and functional recovery in a rat model of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury

Medialization thyroplasty or injection laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis cannot restore mobility of the vocal fold. Recent studies have shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells is effective in the repair of nerve injuries. This study investigated wheth- er adipose-derived stem celt transplantation could repair recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Rat models of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were established by crushing with micro forceps. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells （ADSCs; 8 ×105） or differentiated Schwann-like adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells （dADSCs; 8×105） or extracellular matrix were injected at the site of injury. At 2, 4 and 6 weeks post-surgery, a higher density of myelinated nerve fiber, thicker myelin sheath, improved vocal fold movement, better recovery of nerve conduction capacity and reduced thyroarytenoid muscle atrophy were found in ADSCs and dADSCs groups compared with the extracellu- lar matrix group. The effects were more pronounced in the ADSCs group than in the dADSCs group. These experimental results indicated that ADSCs transplantation could be an early interventional strategy to promote regeneration after recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Novel technique for lymphadenectomy along left recurrent laryngeal nerve during thoracoscopic esophagectomy

BACKGROUND In esophageal squamous carcinoma,lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN)is recommended owing to its highly metastatic potential.However,this procedure is difficult due to limited working space in the left upper mediastinum,and increases postoperative complications.AIM To present a novel method for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN during thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the semi-prone position.METHODS The fundamental concept of this novel method is to exfoliate a bilateral pedicled nerve flap,which is a two-dimensional membrane,which includes the left RLN,lymph nodes(LNs)along the left RLN,and tracheoesophageal vessels,by suspending the esophagus to the dorsal side and pushing the trachea to the ventral side(named“bilateral exposure method”).Then,the hollow-out method is performed to transform the two-dimensional membrane to a three-dimensional structure,in which the left RLN and tracheoesophageal vessels are easily distinguished and preserved during lymphadenectomy along the left RLN.This novel method was retrospectively evaluated in 116 consecutive patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma from August 2016 to February 2018.RESULTS There were 58 patients in each group.No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age,gender,postoperative pneumonia,anastomotic fistula,and postoperative hospitalization.However,the number of dissected LNs along the left RLN in this novel method was significantly higher than that in the conventional method(4.17±0.359 vs 2.93±0.463,P=0.0447).Moreover,the operative time and the rate of postoperative hoarseness in the novel method were significantly lower than those in the conventional method(306.0±6.774 vs 335.2±7.750,P=0.0054;4/58 vs 12/58,P=0.0312).CONCLUSION This novel method for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN during thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the semi-prone position is much safer and more effective.

Schwannoma originating from the recurrent laryngeal nerve in a thyroid cancer patient: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Schwannoma rarely originates from the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and there are few reports on schwannoma originating from the recurrent nerve in the mediastinum. Herein, we present an extremely rare case of schwannoma originating from the recurrent laryngeal nerve in the neck.CASE SUMMARY This is a case report of one patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer with schwannoma originating from the recurrent laryngeal nerve in the neck, which was incidentally found during a thyroidectomy, and a review of the literature.CONCLUSION Preoperative diagnostic examinations are of less use for detecting schwannoma originating from a recurrent laryngeal nerve in the neck in such small size, which may only incidentally be found during a thyroidectomy. Surgical excision with opening the capsule and shelling out the tumor is the treatment of choice. If the nerve is unable to be preserved, end-to-end recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis may be a simple and minimally invasive reconstruction procedure to improve phonation.

Experience of Cervical Plexus Reinnervation for Patients with Unilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Invasion or Injury

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical and therapeutic effects of cervical plexus reinnervation for infiltrated or injured unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve （URLN）. METHODS Functional neck dissection for removal of differentiated thyroid carcinoma （DTC） in patients was performed, in which cervical plexus reinnervation was adopted for patients with stage I disease and URLN with injury or with tumor invasion. Outcomes of surgery were evaluated by examination under fibrolaryngoscope, and the patients＇ voices were evaluated before and after surgery. RESULTS All cases were followed up for 3 mon-2 years （average 8 mon）. Abductory motion of the vocal cords of 15 patients was completely or partly restored, but 3 patients＇ vocal cords were immovable. The recovery rate of abductory motion of the paralyzed vocal cords was 83.33% （15/18）. The function of phonation in the 16 patients was restored to normal or near normal limits, and their hoarseness was improved significantly. CONCLUSION Cervical plexus-URLN reinnervation should be considered when treating patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Removing the tumor simultaneously with cervical plexus reinnervation during surgery for repair of unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was convenient and easy to perform with less functional damage compared with other methods of reinnervation. The abductory motion of vocal cord could be satisfactorily restored by this reinnervation. Surgical performance skills and application of neurotrophic drugs were important for the success of the surgery.

Applied anatomy of the cervical region of the recurrent laryngeal nerve

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE： To avoid recurrent laryngeal nerve （RLN） injury during thyroid surgery, it is important to identify the nerve and to follow its projection carefully to discriminate it from the inferior thyroid artery. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： All studies were performed at the Anatomy Division of Shaoyang Medical College from May 2003 to May 2004 with repeated measurement design. MATERIALS： Fifty embalmed adult corpses, comprising 20 females and 30 males, were obtained by donation. METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The projection, branches, and the relationship of the RLN to the inferior thyroid artery were observed. RESULTS： The RLN in all cases ascended through the tracheoesophageal groove at the isthmus superior levels of the thyroid gland. However, the RLN in 14 cases were situated inferior to the isthmus of the thyroid gland; 11 cases were to the right side and 2 cases to the left side, projected in the tracheoesophageal groove, and ascended away from the groove after 4.5-6.5 mm. The RLN typically ramified at the thyroid isthmus plane （44 cases, 44% of all cases）. The RLN branches were variable. Type 2 rami were most common in the RLN, accounting for 55%; the second most common was RLN branches with no rami. RLN braches with type 3 rami, 4 rami, and 5 rami were less common. Approximately 54% of nerves were situated behind the main branch artery. The nerves located adjacent to the arteries, and between the arterial branches, were similar; the former applied to 19 cases, accounting for 19%, whereas the latter applied to 18 cases, accounting for 18%. Left nerves behind the artery, and right nerves before the artery, were more common. There were significant differences between the left and right nerves （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： There was not a significant difference in the projection of the RLN, while a significant difference in the number of RLN branches existed. In addition, the anatomical relationship of the RLN and the inferior thyroid artery exhibited side differences.

Anatomical Variations of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: The Danger in Thyroid Surgery

Objectives: We report two types of anatomical variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in two patients. Through these two patients we wanted to highlight our surgical approach of the recurrent nerve in an unusual position and to describe the surgical implication of these almost rare variations. Case report: patient aged 28 and 58 admitted for goiter. They underwent a right lobisthmectomy. Both recurrences were approached retrograde. The anatomical variations of the nerve concerned the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve in the first patient. In the second patient there were three anatomical variations, namely an extra laryngeal bifurcation of the nerve, a pre-vascular position of the nerve and a branch connecting the vagus nerve and the recurrent nerve. No recurrence nerve injury was noted. Conclusion: The anatomical variations of the nerve are numerous. A careful dissection is a guarantee of a good prognosis.

Clinical Significance of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Exposure During Esophagogastric Anastomosis of the Neck

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical value in a comparison between intraoperative exposure and non-exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve （RLN） of the neck during left neck esophagogastric anastomosis following resection of carcinomas of the middle and inferior-segment esophagus. METHODS From January 2003 to April 2009, 237 patients were selected to undergo resection of esophageal squamous carcinoma via posteroexternal incision of the left chest plus gastroesophageal anastomosis at the left neck incision. The 237 cases were divided into 2 groups： 115 of the total cases were in group A （the study group）, cases of resections with neck RLN exposure. Of the patients in this group, 64 were male and 51 female, with a mean age of 49 ranging from 31 to 73 years. Another 122 cases were in group B （the control group）, cases of resections without neck RLN exposure. In this group, 51 of the patients were male and 71 female, with a mean age of 45 ranging from 33 to 75 years. In the 2 groups, there were 9 cases in total with symptoms induced by RLN injury. RESULTS Hoarseness, choking cough when drinking, and difficult expectoration were found in 1 of the cases （1/115） in group A （0.087%）, while there were 8 cases （8/122） presenting with these symptoms in group B （6.5%）. There is statistical signi.cance in the di.erences of RLN injury between the 2 groups （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION Analysis of study cases of esophageal carcinoma resection with left-neck esophagogastric anastomosis in the 2 groups indicated that the exposure of the RLN in group A resulted in an obviously lower rate of neck RLN injury after the surgery, compared to group B, where the RLN was not exposed. Exposure can lead to the avoidance of complications induced by RLN injury, such as dysarthria and choking cough when eating. As a result, satisfactory expectoration, which would diminish the incidence of pulmonary complications, can be reached allowing the patients to recover as early as possible. The results of our study suggest that the exposure of the RLN during the left -neck esophagogastric anastomosis has signi.cant clinical value, and that this approach can be recommended with con.dence.

Clinical significance and characteristics of recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis of thoracic esophageal cancer

Objective To investigate the clinical significance and characteristics of recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis of thoracic esophageal cancer. Methods One hundred and twenty-four patients who had undergone thoracic esophageal resection with recurrent laryngealnerve lymph node dissection in our hospital from March 2007 to February 2010. All clinical data were retrospectively analysed. Results Recurrent laryngeal

Electrophysiological neuromonitoring of the laryngeal nerves in thyroid and parathyroid surgery: A review

Recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN) injury is one of the most common complications of thyroid surgery. Injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is less obvious and affects the voice variably; however, it can be of great significance to professional voice users. Recent literature has led to an increase in the use of neuromonitoring as an adjunct to visual nerve identification during thyroid surgery. In our review of the literature, we discuss the application, efficacy and safety of neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery. Although intraoperative neuromonitoring(IONM) contributes to the prevention of laryngeal nerves injury, there was no significant difference in the incidence of RLN injury in thyroid surgery when IONM was used compared with visual identification alone. IONM use is recommended in high risk patients; however, there are no clear identification criteria for what constitutes "high risk". There is no clear evidence that IONM decreases the risk of laryngeal nerve injury in thyroid surgery. However, continuous IONM provides a promising tool that can prevent imminent nerve traction injury by detecting decreased amplitude combined with increased latency.

Experimental Studies on the Reinnervation of Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle by the Upper Branch of Phrenic Nerve

The purpose of this work was to reestablish the respiratory abduction of theparalyzed vocal cord through reinnervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid(PCA)mus-cle by part of phrenic fibres.In fifteen adult cats the adductor branch of the recurrentlaryngeal nerve(RLN)of the right side was cut and its distal end ligated,while the pro -ximal end was implanted into the PCA muscle belly.The whole RLN was then transectedin the tracheoesophageal groove and its distal stump anastomosed to the upper branchof the phrenic nerve.Various techniques for observation were used on day 40,80 and 150after operation.Direct laryngoscopy showed that the inspiratory abduction of the para-lyzed vocal cord recovered within 40 d in all cats.Eighty days later,a larger abducentmotion of the glottis was observed on the reinnervated side.Abduction was caused byreinnervation of the PCA muscle from phrenic motoneurons,as demonstrated by laryn-geal electromyogram,and the function of diaphragm maintained as revealed by monito-ring of the intrathoracic pressure.

Current landscape in motoneuron regeneration and reconstruction for motor cranial nerve injuries

The intricate anatomy and physiology of cranial nerves have inspired clinicians and scientists to study their roles in the nervous system. Damage to motor cranial nerves may result from a variety of organic or iatrogenic insults and causes devastating functional impairment and disfigurement. Surgical innovations directed towards restoring function to injured motor cranial nerves and their associated organs have evolved to include nerve repair, grafting, substitution, and muscle transposition. In parallel with this progress, research on tissue-engineered constructs, development of bioelectrical interfaces, and modulation of the regenerative milieu through cellular, immunomodulatory, or neurotrophic mechanisms has proliferated to enhance the available repertoire of clinically applicable reconstructive options. Despite these advances, patients continue to suffer from functional limitations relating to inadequate cranial nerve regeneration, aberrant reinnervation, or incomplete recovery of neuromuscular function. These shortfalls have profound quality of life ramifications and provide an impetus to further elucidate mechanisms underlying cranial nerve denervation and to improve repair. In this review, we summarize the literature on reconstruction and regeneration of motor cranial nerves following various injury patterns. We focus on seven cranial nerves with predominantly efferent functions and highlight shared patterns of injuries and clinical manifestations. We also present an overview of the existing reconstructive approaches, from facial reanimation, laryngeal reinnervation, to variations of interposition nerve grafts for reconstruction. We discuss ongoing endeavors to promote nerve regeneration and to suppress aberrant reinnervation and the development of synkinesis. Insights from these studies will shed light on recent progress and new horizons in understanding the biomechanics of peripheral nerve neurobiology, with emphasis on promising strategies for optimizing neural regeneration and identifying future directions in the field of motor cranial neuron research.

Bronchial bleeding caused by recurrent pneumonia after radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

We herein report a case of bronchial bleeding afterradical esophagectomy that was treated with lobectomy.A 65-year-old male who underwent subtotal esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection for esophageal carcinoma was referred to our hospital because of sudden hemoptysis.After the esophagectomy,bilateral vocal cord paralysis was observed,and the patient suffered from repeated episodes of aspiration pneumonia.Bronchoscopy revealed hemosputum in the right middle lobe bronchus,and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed tortuous arteries arising from the right inferior phrenic artery and left subclavian artery toward the right middle lobe bronchus.Although bronchial arterial embolization was performed twice to control the recurrent hemoptysis,the procedures were unsuccessful.Right middle lobectomy was therefore performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery.Engorged bronchial arterys with medial hypertrophy and overgrowth of the small branches were noted near the bronchus in the resected specimen.The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on postoperative day 14.

A three-dimensional digital visualization model of cervical nerves in a healthy person

Three-dimensional reconstruction nerve models are classically obtained from two-dimensional images of ＂visible human＂ frozen sections. However, because of the flexibility of nerve tissues and small color differences compared with surrounding tissues, the integrity and validity of nerve tissues can be impaired during milling. Thus, in the present study, we obtained two-dimensional data from a healthy volunteer based on continuous CT angiography and magnetic resonance myelography. Semi-automatic segmentation and reconstruction were then conducted at different thresholds in different tissues using Mimics software. Small anatomical structures such as muscles and cervical nerves were reconstructed using the medical computer aided design module. Three-dimensional digital models of the cervical nerves and their surrounding structures were successfully developed, which allowed visualization of the spatial relation of anatomical structures with a strong three-dimensional effect, distinct appearance, clear distribution, and good continuity, precision, and integrality. These results indicate the validity of a three-dimensional digital visualization model of healthy human cervical nerves, which overcomes the disadvantages of milling, avoids data loss, and exhibits a realistic appearance and three-dimensional image.

Identifying a Safe Range of Stimulation Current for Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve： Results from a Canine Model

Background： lntraoperative neuromonitoring （IONM） of the recunent laryngeal nerve （RLN） has been widely applied during thyroid surgery. However, the sale range of stimulation intensity for IONM remains undetermined, Methods： Total thyroidectomies were performed on twenty dogs, and their RLNs were stimulated with a current of 5 20 mA （step-wise in 5 mA increments） for 1 min. The evoked electromyography （EMG） of vocal muscles before and after supramaximal stimulation were recorded and compared. Acute microstructural morphological changes in the RLNs were observed immediately postoperatively under an electron microscope. Results： The average stimulating threshold for RLNs stimulated with 15 mA and 20 mA showed no significant changes compared to the unstimulated RLNs （15 mA group： 0.320 ± 0.123 mA vs. 0.315 ±0.097 mA, P =0.847; 20 mA group： 0.305 ± 0.101 mA vs. 0.300 ＋ 0.103 mA, P = 0.758）. Similar outcomes were shown in average evoked EMG amplitude （15 mA group： 1,026 ± 268 p.V xs. 1,021 ± 273 p.V, P = 0.834; 20 mA group： 1,162 ± 275 μV vs. 1,200 ± 258μV, P = 0.148）. However, obvious acute microstructural morphological changes were observed in the nerves that were stimulated with 20 mA. Conclusions： A stimulation intensity less than 15 mA might be safe for IONM of the RLN.

Role of Intra-Operative Nerve Monitoring in Thyroidectomies: An Institutional Review

Injury to the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) is a worrisome complication of a thyroidectomy. Intra-operative nerve monitoring (IONM) of the RLN has gained prevalence as an aid to prevent injury. We reviewed our series and other studies in literature for insight. A chart review was carried out to identify all patients who underwent a thyroidectomy between 2005 and 2010. IONM was implemented by the Otolaryngology service in 2007. All identified patients were separated into three groups: 1) Otolaryngology service with IONM, 2) Otolaryngology service without IONM, and 3) General Surgery service without IONM. Several factors were noted, including age, sex, thyroid disease, extent of thyroidectomy, and RLN injury along with recovery. 230 patients underwent thyroidectomy from 2005-2010. 60 patients were isolated in the IONM-Otolaryngology group with 3 patients suffering injury. 109 patients underwent a thyroidectomy by the Otolaryngology service without IONM with 8 patients suffering nerve damage. In the third group, 61 patients underwent a thyroidectomy by General Surgery without IONM with 4 patients suffering damage. Of the thyroid pathology, 10 patients had Multinodular Goiter while 4 had Papillary Cancer and 1 had a Follicular Adenoma. The most severe complication of a thyroidectomy is RLN injury. In order to further decrease the risk of RLN injury, IONM has been employed. From our review and other studies, there does not appear to be a significant difference in rates of RLN injury with or without use of nerve monitoring. An interesting note is the increased prevalence of nerve injuries in Multinodular Goiter—a finding that merits further study to evaluate the role of IONM.

Intraoperative monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in surgeries for thyroid cancer: a review

Intraoperative nerve monitoring(IONM)has evolved into an objective tool not only for the identification but also for the preservation and prognostication of function of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgeries.Technical improvements have resulted in the increasing incorporation of IONM into operating rooms around the world.The importance of adherence to recommended standards is also recognized as being vital in optimizing the efficacy of IONM.The advent of continuous IONM has made real-time nerve monitoring possible,thus providing the surgeon with an ally in difficult surgeries.Additionally,as thyroid surgeries are evolving into remote access and minimally invasive procedures,so also is the applicability of IONM.This review focuses on the use of IONM for nerve monitoring in thyroidectomies for neoplastic conditions while discussing the rationale,technique,and interpretation of findings and their implications.

术中神经监测技术在甲状腺癌根治术喉返神经保护中的应用效果

目的:观察术中神经监测技术在甲状腺癌根治术喉返神经保护中的应用效果。方法:回顾性分析2021年6月至2022年12月于该院行甲状腺癌根治术的63例患者的临床资料,按照术中喉返神经保护方案不同将其分为对照组31例和观察组32例。两组均行甲状腺癌根治术治疗,对照组术中常规显露喉返神经,观察组术中采用神经监测技术。比较两组围术期指标(术中出血量、手术时间、住院时间、喉返神经探查时间)水平、术后3个月嗓音障碍[嗓音障碍指数量表(VHI)]评分、术后不同时间(术后1、3个月)吞咽功能[中文版安德森吞咽困难量表(MDADI)]评分和喉返神经损伤发生率。结果:两组术中出血量、住院时间比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组手术时间、喉返神经探查时间均短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3个月,观察组功能、生理、情感等VHI各维度评分均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后1、3个月,观察组MDADI评分均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组喉返神经损伤发生率为6.25%(2/32),低于对照组的29.03%(9/31),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:术中神经监测技术应用于甲状腺癌根治术患者可缩短手术时间和喉返神经探查时间,降低嗓音障碍评分和喉返神经损伤发生率,提高吞咽功能评分,效果优于术中常规显露喉返神经。

神经监测在经口甲状腺癌手术中预防RLN损伤的临床价值

目的探讨神经监测(IONM)在经口前庭入路腔镜甲状腺切除术中对喉返神经(RLN)损伤的预防意义。方法选取2017年3月至2018年12月甲状腺癌患者112例,根据随机数字表法分为观察组(n=53)和对照组(n=59)。对照组患者采用经口前庭入路腔镜甲状腺切除术治疗,观察组在对照组患者基础上采用IONMO观察两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、RLN探查暴露时间及住院时间等指标和RLN损伤情况,比较两组术后并发症发生情况。结果观察组患者RLN探查暴露时间及中央区淋巴结清扫手术时间显著短于对照组(P<0.05),两组术中出血量、术后引流量、术后住院时间的比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组患者永久性RLN损伤发生率和暂时性RLN损伤发生率分别为1.8%和1.8%,对照组3.38%和6.77%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论神经监测可明显降低经口前庭入路腔镜甲状腺切除术患者手术时间及RLN探查暴露时间,值得临床推广。

术中神经监测对难治性甲状腺癌手术中RLN损伤率的影响

目的:研究术中神经监测对难治性甲状腺癌手术中喉返神经(recurrent laryngeal nerve,RLN)损伤率的影响。方法:选取2016年5月-2019年5月于笔者所在医院就诊的难治性甲状腺癌患者68例,按照随机数字表法分为对照组和研究组,各34例。对照组行常规手术方案,研究组行术中神经监测(intraoperative neuro monitoring,IONM)手术方案。观察两组患者RLN探查时间及患者住院时间、RLN损伤发生率及RLN永久损伤发生率。结果:研究组RLN探查时间、住院时间均显著短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。研究组RLN损伤发生率(2.94%)显著低于对照组(23.53%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组RLN永久损伤发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:术中神经监测技术应用于难治性甲状腺癌手术可显著缩短RLN探查时间、住院时间,减少RLN损伤,可临床推广。