Intraoperative electromyographic identification of recurrence as a routineprocedure

In recent years, two methods of intraoperative monitoring of the laryngeal nerve have mostly been used: evoked electromyographic responses via endscop ically applied needle electrodes inserted into the adducting laryngeal musc les, and non-invasive electrodes like special tubes with integrated electro des or separately insertable electrodes like the postcricoid electrode or d isposable electrodes attached to the tube, as used in this study. The incid ence of recurrent nerve paresis or paralysis during the IRM period was 1/17 4 nerves (0.6 %). The advantage of the IRM is the quick and certain identif ication of the nerve; intraoperative monitoring cannot replace a proper sur gical technique. We conclude that the IRM, using a laryngeal surface electr ode attached to the tube, is a safe and reliable method.