Immediate Intraoperative Microsurgical Repair of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: A Fifteen-Year Institutional Experience

Abstract Background Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury carries significant morbidity. Microsurgical repair of the RLN has proven promising for enhancing patient recovery vocal function; however, data remains limited. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent from 2007 to 2022. Demographics and medical history were collected. The location etiology injury, as well technique, Follow-up collected at initial postoperative visit, 6 months 1 year. Hoarseness was classified mild, moderate, or severe. Of nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (NPL) following repair, glottic gap measured. Vocal interventions performed also recorded. utilized descriptive statistical methods. Results Eleven repair. All immediate Fifty-four percent (n = 6) injuries resulted tumor inflammation encasement. Eighty-two 9) direct coaptation, 9% 1) vagus-RLN anastomosis, an interposition graft. Technical success 100%. Seventy-three 8) required otolaryngology referral, those, 50% 4) intervention. At evaluation, 91% 10) suffered mild severe hoarseness, NPL, all had a gap. year, 82% improved having no appreciable hoarseness. 62% 5) closure Conclusion Patients undergoing showed excellent function resolution