Hopeful Waiting Before Disappointment: Vocal Cord Paralysis After Thyroidectomy

Vocal cord paralysis (VCP) is a well-known complication after thyroidectomy operation which may occur due to direct or indirect injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Indirect damage to the RLN may be due to compression or stretch of the nerve and usually results in transient VCP. Here, we report a case of bilateral VCP developed after total prophylactic thyroidectomy due to RET proto-oncogene mutation. The patient was successfully extubated after 3 days of waiting with anti-edema treatment. Despite protective measures, thyroidectomy may result in injury to LRN leading to VCP. A trial of waiting period with anti-edema treatment seems to be a reasonable approach in patients with temporary VCP.