[Nerve damage after thyroid-parathyroid surgery. Recurrent nerve paralysis significantly impair quality of life in many patients].

Forty-seven cases of permanent vocal cord paralysis after neck surgery are investigated. Very few operations were described as technically problematical. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified in 77% of the procedures. Patients in particular need of an excellent voice in their work or leisure activities described a definite decrease in quality of life after surgery. Straightforward information concerning this complication should always be given to the patient preoperatively.