Intra-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation during anterior cervical discectomy: A simple and effective technique

Abstract

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is a recognised complication of anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) surgery. We report our experience of intra-operative neuromonitoring using RLN stimulation in 19 patients undergoing ACD surgery. This simple and safe technique has the potential to reduce the incidence of RLN palsy in this patient group.

Key words:

• Anterior cervical discectomy
• electrophysiology
• neuromonitoring
• recurrent laryngeal nerve

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.