Causes And Risk Factors Associated With Vocal Cord Paralysis

Throat Surgery

Vocal cord paralysis is one of the potential complications associated with throat surgery. For example, surgery to remove the thyroid gland and certain operations on the spine could both lead to possible paralysis of one of the vocal cords. Rarely, the removal of the thyroid gland may paralyze both of the vocal cords. Spinal surgery carried out through an incision in the front of the neck also carries a risk of paralysis of both vocal cords, and tracheal intubation (the placement of a breathing tube into the patient's windpipe) may also result in damage or paralysis to both of a patient's vocal cords. Patients undergoing throat surgery or an operation on the thyroid, chest, or neck should ask their surgeons about their individual risk of vocal cord damage or paralysis. The surgeons will do everything they can to minimize this risk, and patients will have an opportunity to ask questions about vocal cord damage and other potential complications prior to the surgery. To reduce the risk of potential complications, it is important any surgery on the throat or neck be carried out by a surgeon experienced in these types of procedures.