Intraoperative Neuromuscular Monitoring and Its Impact on Pre- and Postoperative Acoustic Outcomes in Thyroid Surgery

This research project conducts a detailed exploration into the fluctuations of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring signals during thyroid surgery and their subsequent effects on the voice quality of patients after surgery. The study meticulously analyzes a comprehensive dataset comprised of surgical records and voice analyses conducted before and after the procedure. The primary objective is to pinpoint specific trends and changes in the nerve monitoring signals and to determine how these alterations correlate with the postoperative acoustic characteristics of patients' voices. By establishing a clear link between intraoperative signal dynamics and postoperative voice outcomes, the investigation aims to advance the field of thyroid surgery. This includes providing surgeons with critical insights for the precise evaluation of recurrent laryngeal nerve functionality, enabling targeted interventions during operations, and ultimately contributing to the enhancement of patients' quality of life following surgery. Through this rigorous analysis, the study seeks to contribute valuable knowledge to the surgical community, facilitating improved patient care and outcomes in thyroid surgery.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 20-60 years old.
• Planned conventional unilateral thyroid lobectomy + isthmus resection + central compartment lymph node dissection.

Exclusion criteria

• History of past head and neck surgeries.
• Pronunciation system defect and disorder history.
• History of vocal cord polyps or nodules.
• History of upper respiratory tract infection in the 2 weeks before surgery or postoperative infection history.
• History of neurological disorders.
• Abnormalities in the throat.
• Preoperative damage to throat morphology or motor function.
• Preoperative functional voice or language disorders, noticeable hoarseness, or difficulty in pronunciation.
• Pre- and postoperative laryngoscopic examination showing vocal cord paralysis and arytenoid joint dislocation.
• Neurological disorders causing abnormal throat function.
• Patient unable to cooperate with VHI (Voice Handicap Index) assessment and voice spectrum examination.