Anatomy of the larynx

Question 1

Nerve Damage: Complications

unilateral SLN

Answer 1

minimal to none

Question 2

Nerve Damage: Complications

Bilateral SLN

Answer 2

Hoarseness

Question 3

Nerve Damage: Complications

Unilateral RLN

Answer 3

Hoarseness

Question 4

Nerve Damage: Complications

Bilateral RLN

Answer 4

stridor/ respiratory distress

aphonia

Question 5

Nerve Damage: Complications
damage to the external SLN causes a section of the external laryngeal nerve to produce weakness and huskiness of the voice, as the cords cannot be tensed. what muscle is paralyzed

Answer 5

the criothroid (it tenses the cords)

Question 6

Nerve Damage: Complications

what is the most common injury after a subtotal thyroidectomy?

Answer 6

Unilateral right RLN damage

Question 7

Nerve Damage: Complications

what type of nerve damage although rare requires immediate intubation

Answer 7

bilateral RLN damage

Question 8

hoarseness after a subtotal thyroidectomy may be caused by damage of what 2 things

Answer 8

bilateral SLN injury

Unilateral RLN injury

Question 9

Stridor after thyroidectomy may result from what 2 things

Answer 9

hypocalcemia (tetany)

bilateral RLN damage

Question 10

Questions:

what causes 1 cord to be flaccid after a subtotal thyroidectomy?

Answer 10

unilateral RLN injury

Question 11

Questions:

what causes 2 floppy cords after subtotal thyroidectomy

Answer 11

Bilateral RLN injury

Question 12

Questions:

if an airway obstruction occurs after subtotal thyroidectomy what re 2 possible causes

Answer 12

Hypocalcemia

Bilat RLN injury