Object: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury occurs after anterior cervical spine procedures. In this study the authors used intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) monitoring of the posterior pharynx as a surrogate for RLN function and monitored endotracheal tube (ET) cuff pressure to determine if there was an association between these variables and clinical outcome.
Methods: Sixty patients in whom anterior cervical spine procedures were to be performed comprised the study population. After intubation, the ET cuff was adjusted to a just-seal volume and attached to a pressure monitor. A laryngeal surface electrode was placed in the posterior pharynx, and spontaneous EMG activity was monitored throughout the procedure. Cuff pressures and EMG activity were recorded during neck retraction and when EMG activity increased 20% above baseline. Patients were divided into two groups: those with sore throat/dysphonia and those without symptoms. Cuff pressures and EMG values were compared between groups, and the differences were correlated with clinical outcome.
Conclusions: Hoarseness immediately after surgery was reported in 38% of patients whereas 15% exhibited severe symptoms. In symptomatic patients the period of intubation had been longer, and the ET cuff pressures had been elevated. In most patients EMG activity increased during insertion of the retractor and decreased after its removal. In these patients a greater number of episodes of elevated EMG activity during surgery were also noted. Two patients experienced prolonged hoarseness, and one required teflon injections of the vocal fold. This patient's EMG activity increased (15-18 times baseline) during surgery. In the few patients who were symptomatic with increased EMG activity, neither the timing nor direction of change could be associated with symptoms. Intubation time and elevated ET cuff pressure were the most important contributors to dysphonia and sore throat after anterior cervical spine surgery.