Abstract:

Objective To explore the feasibility and surgical safety of protecting the superior laryngeal nerve by combining the advantages of the modified Miccoli procedure and neuromonitoring technology. Methods From June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023, 200 patients undergoing modified Miccoli thyroid surgery were randomly divided into an observation group (n=100, using superior laryngeal nerve monitoring technology) and a control group (n=100, using traditional superior laryngeal nerve protection technology). Observational indicators included surgical-related indicators, and postoperative complications. The success rate of external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) exploration and Cernea classification were recorded intraoperatively. Conduct voice handicap index(VHI) questionnaire and GRBAS perceptual evaluation at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, tumor diameter, pathological type, tumor location, proportion of nerve detection abnormalities, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative day 1 drainage volume, length of hospital stay, or other postoperative complications (P>0.05). However, postoperative voice self-assessment and subjective auditory evaluation, as measured by the VHI questionnaire and GRBAS scale, were significantly better in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions The combination of auxiliary endoscopic technology in modified Miccoli procedure and neuromonitoring technology can effectively guide the anatomical exposure of external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, thereby effectively protect the function of the superior laryngeal nerve.

Key words: Superior laryngeal nerve, Neuromonitoring, Modified Miccoli surgery