Postoperative hoarseness,obstructed airway,and paralysis of the vocal cords are serious complications of thyroid surgery.During surgery,care is taken to identify and protect which nerve?

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The recurrent laryngeal nerve,a branch of the vagus nerve,innervates the intrinsic muscles of the larynx.During surgery,care is taken to identify and protect this nerve.Immediate hoarseness occurs if the nerve is divided on one side.If the recurrent nerve is injured bilaterally,acute paralysis of both vocal cords may obstruct the airway and require emergency tracheotomy.Injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve,which innervates the cricothyroid muscle,results in difficulty shouting or singing high notes.

Postoperative Hoarseness,obstructed Airway,and Paralysis of the Vocal Cords Are Serious