Assessing Neuromonitoring to Protect Voice Nerve Function During Thyroid Surgery

What this Trial Is About

The trial investigates the frequent damage to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve EBSLN during thyroid surgery, a complication that can reduce quality of life by affecting voice pitch and projection. This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether using intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery helps protect the EBSLN to maintain proper vocal cord function and voice quality. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one undergoing thyroid surgery with neuromonitoring to identify and preserve the EBSLN, and the other undergoing surgery without this monitoring. The neuromonitoring device is used to confirm nerve presence and function before and after dissecting the upper thyroid pole. This approach aims to better preserve the cricothyroid muscle function, which controls vocal cord tension. During the study, participants voice quality and vocal function will be assessed before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery using questionnaires and computerized acoustic analysis. Researchers will measure the identification rate of the EBSLN during surgery as the primary outcome. The trial includes follow-up evaluations of vocal fold vibration patterns and voice pitch changes to monitor nerve preservation and voice performance, with participation lasting up to six months postoperatively.

Effectiveness of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of External Branch of Superior Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid Surgery