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Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) following esophagectomy for carcinoma.

Gockel I, Kneist W, Keilmann A, Junginger T

Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, D-55101 Mainz, Germany. gockel@ach.klinik.uni-mainz-de

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the frequency of post-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) following resection for esophageal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred and four patients were studied. Diagnosis of post-operative RLNP was performed by indirect laryngoscopy. Tumour characteristics, surgical approach and perioperative morbidity and mortality following esophageal resection were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty patients were diagnosed with post-operative RLNP, of whom 47 had a unilateral and 16 a bilateral lesion. RLNP was more frequently diagnosed after transhiatal resection with cervical esophagogastrostomy as compared to abdomino-thoracic resection (p=0.06). A higher rate of post-operative pneumonia was evident in patients with RLNP (33 of 63 as opposed to 90 of 341; p=0.027). CONCLUSION: RLNP is associated with a significant morbidity, especially pulmonary complications after resection of esophageal cancer.

Published 22 March 2005 in Eur J Surg Oncol, 31(3): 277-81.
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