Guest guest Posted December 16, 2002 Report Share Posted December 16, 2002 Hello and welcome - > " tuftrjn " wrote: > Has anyone here had their laryngeal nerve damaged during the > procedure? How likely is that? I've read statistics where 1-2% > had their nerve damaged. I've also read instances where traumatic > endotracheal intubation can damage or impair vocal capablility. I recognise your concerns because I sing as a (serious) hobby and I also use my voice in my work (meetings, presenting, etc.) so like you I was concerned about voice damage. I have had two thyroidectomies and one parathyroidectomy and I'm still singing :-) Your statistic of 1-2% voice damage is about right as I understand it. The risk is said to be minimised in the hands of an experienced surgeon so I would agree that finding an appropriate surgeon is critical especially if voice is an important issue - as wrote, better someone who does several (para)thyroidectomies a week. If you can locate an endocrine or a head-and-neck surgeon in your area these I believe often have more experience with thyroid surgery than ENT surgeons. I don't think I've read about damage from intubation here on this listserv. It's possible that your voice will be quite hoarse after surgery and it can be further affected by being hypothyroid, so it feels like it's never going to come back, but with patience (and sometimes help from a voice coach) most of us make a good recovery. Good luck! Judith (British, living in Holland) dx 1965 pap thyca T4-N1-M0 pt 1965 tt 1982 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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