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

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Thyroidectomy
Voice Change
Laryngeal Nerve Injuries
Interventions
Device: Using Neuromonitoring to find EBSLN
Registration Number
NCT06002984
Lead Sponsor
Seoul National University Hospital
Brief Summary

The frequent occurrence of impaired function in the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves following thyroid surgery is recognized as a prevalent complication leading to a diminished quality of life. The objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to assess the efficacy of neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery in order to safeguard the integrity of these nerves.

Detailed Description

With increased interest in quality of life after thyroidectomy, preservation of proper vocal cord function and voice quality is an important issue in thyroid surgery. External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) are crucial organs for innervation and integration of laryngeal muscular system. The EBSLN innervates the cricothyroid muscle (CTM), which is important in adjusting the tension and length of the vocal cords. Damage of the EBSLN leads to CTM dysfunction, resulting in difficulty with high pitch phonation and decreased pitch range and reduced voice projection, which are important for voice professionals. As the intraoperative neuromonitoring was utilized as an adjunctive and objective tool to confirm the nerve presence and integrity, application of the intraoperative neuromonitoring system to confirm EBSLN function pre- and post-dissection of the upper thyroid pole can be regarded as an effective method to preserve cricothyroid muscle function. However, it remains unclear whether there is any intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques-added value to the clinical outcome of thyroidectomy in terms of identification of EBSLN and preserved voice performance. Therefore, this study could provide strong evidence of the application of the intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery to identify and preserve EBSLN function.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
94
Inclusion Criteria
  • Patients who are scheduled to undergo thyroid surgery
  • Patients who understand and agree to take part in this study
Exclusion Criteria
  • If the thyroid tumor is suspected to invade adjacent organs (esophagus, trachea, carotid artery, jugular vein etc.)
  • Patients who are required with lateral compartment neck dissection
  • Patients with recurrent thyroid cancer
  • Patients with palsy of recurrent laryngeal nerve or superior laryngeal nerve external branch in the past or present
  • Patients with a history of vocal cord and larynx disease
  • History of hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves' disease)
  • Taking anticoagulants (aspirin, warfarin, etc.) before surgery
  • Disorders of coagulation
  • In the case of women, pregnant women and breastfeeding patients
  • Patients judged inappropriate by clinical trial researcher

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Using neuromonitoring to find EBSLNUsing Neuromonitoring to find EBSLNWith neuromonitoring of the EBSLN using nerve monitoring system Intervention Device: Neuromonitoring to find EBSLN
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Identification rate of EBSLNduring operation

Visual identification rate, Electrostimulatory identification rate

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes of Vocal outcomeup to postoperative 1 month, 3 months and 6 months

Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) \[0\~100%\], 0% = no voice, full disability ; 100% = normal voice

Vocal evaluationup to postoperative 1 month, 3 months and 6 months

GRBAS (Grade, Rough, Breathy, Asthenia, and Strain)

Changes of Vocal fold vibration patternsup to postoperative 1 month, 3 months and 6 months

EGG (electroglottography) assessment of voice

Measurements of Vocal functionup to postoperative 1 month, 3 months and 6 months

Maximum Phonation Time (MPT)

Change of results about questionnaire for quality of voiceup to postoperative 1 month, 3 months and 6 months

Voice Handicap Index-10 \[0\~40\], higher scores mean worse voice disorder

Changes of Vocal outcome by Computerized Acoustic Analysisup to postoperative 1 month, 3 months and 6 months

Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP)

Changes of Voice Pitchup to postoperative 1 month, 3 months and 6 months

Real-time pitch (RTP)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Seoul National University Hospital

🇰🇷

Seoul, Korea, Republic of

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