This page was last updated: August 1, 2012
Intra-Operative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring for Thyroid
and Parathyroid Surgery
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve monitoring
Recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and mapping using EMG (electromyography) is the latest in technological innovation in thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
A special endotracheal tube with right and left electrodes is placed near the muscles of the vocal cords which are innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. These electrodes are connected to a computer that analyzes the electric activity and displays the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vocal cords ( muscle electrical potentials) on a screen.
During the operation, the electrical activity (EMG response) of the nerve is continuously monitored. If the recurrent laryngeal nerve is stimulated or disturbed, an electrical impulse is detected by the monitoring technician who alerts the surgeon.
Intra-operative monitoring offers added security for the patient without delaying the operation or hindering the surgeon in any way.
Anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and its relationship to the thyroid gland.
Otolaryngology Houston
Bechara Y. Ghorayeb, MD
OTOLARYNGOLOGY - HEAD & NECK SURGERY
Memorial Hermann Professional Buildng
1140 Business Center Drive, Suite 560
Houston, Texas 77043
For appointments, call 713 464 2614
