Postoperative laryngeal granuloma in mediastinal goitre with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Reported postoperative complications of mediastinal goitre include recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hypoparathyroidism and tracheomalacia. Voice and swallowing symptoms after thyroid surgery have been associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux, but it is unclear whether the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the oesophagus, larynx and pharynx worsens after thyroid surgery. We present the case of a man in his 40s with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who developed heartburn and laryngeal granuloma after total thyroidectomy for mediastinal goitre. Vonoprazan therapy effectively controlled these symptoms. Although the exact cause remains unclear, we suggest that changes in pressure dynamics after thyroidectomy may worsen the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the oesophagus, larynx and pharynx, contributing to GERD symptoms and laryngeal granuloma. This case highlights the need to consider the management of retrograde flow of gastric contents into the oesophagus, larynx and pharynx in the postoperative care of mediastinal goitre resections.