Neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Laryngeal nerve injuries are among the most important complications of thyroidectomy. Recently, the use of neuromonitoring has been increasingly employed in order to predict and document nerve function at the end of thyroidectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS: There is much controversy in recent studies concerning neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery. Some authors believe that the method does not bring any additional reduction in the paralysis rate of the laryngeal nerves. Other researchers defend its use only in selected cases and in very specific situations. Finally, some much respected surgeons advocate the routine use of neuromonitoring in all thyroidectomies.

SUMMARY: In this review, we try to present relevant recent publications dealing with this still controversial subject, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of neuromonitoring in thyroidectomy.