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Vocal fold paralysis following carotid endarterectomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Fernanda I. Espinoza ,
Fiona B. MacGregor ,
Julie C. Doughty  and
Lynn D. Cooke
Fernanda I. Espinoza*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryGartnavel General Hospital, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Glasgow, UK.
Fiona B. MacGregor
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryGartnavel General Hospital, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Glasgow, UK.
Julie C. Doughty
Affiliation:
Department of Vascular Surgery, Gartnavel General Hospital, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Glasgow, UK.
Lynn D. Cooke
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryGartnavel General Hospital, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Glasgow, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Fernanda I. Espinoza, Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Gartnavel General Hospital, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN
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Abstract

Injury to the vagus nerve or one of its branches during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can result in vocal fold paralysis (VFP). This study assessed prospectively 73 patients undergoing CEA. A total of 76 procedures were performed in these patients over a one-year period. All patients underwent preoperative and post-operative assessment of vocal fold mobility by indirect laryngoscopy and/or flexible nasendoscopy. All patients had normal vocal fold mobility pre-operatively. Eight patients (10 per cent) complained of hoarseness after surgery and in three patients (four per cent) examination confirmed an ipsilateral VFP. This persists in all three patients at six-month follow-up. Vocal fold assessment is important in patients undergoing CEA, particularly when performing second side surgery. We recommend that patients should be informed of the risk of VFP following CEA when obtaining consent.

Keywords

Vocal cord paralysisCarotid artery diseaseEndarterectomy
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 113 , Issue 5 , May 1999 , pp. 439 - 441
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

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Footnotes

Presented at the Joint meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngologists Head & Neck Surgeons and the Royal Society of Medicine, Boston, July 1997.

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