Predictors and consequences of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during open thyroidectomy: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database analysis

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a serious complication of thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors and consequences of RLN injury during thyroidectomy. A retrospective analysis was conducted using the ACS-NSQIP 2016–2017 main and thyroidectomy targeted procedure databases. Data was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression resulting in risk-adjusted odds ratios of RLN injury and morbidity/mortality. Age ≥65, black race, neoplastic indication, total or subtotal thyroidectomy, concurrent neck surgery, operation time > median, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia were associated with RLN injury. Use of intraoperative nerve monitoring was associated with decreased RLN injuries. RLN injury is a risk factor for overall morbidity, hypocalcemia, hematoma, pulmonary morbidity, readmission, reoperation, and length of stay > median. Several predictors of RLN injury during thyroidectomy are identified, while use of intraoperative nerve monitoring was associated with a decreased risk of RLN injury. RLN injury is associated increased postoperative complications. •Research Highlights:•Several patient variables were identified as risk factors for RLN injury.•Intraoperative nerve monitoring is notably associated with decreased RLN injury.•RLN injury is associated with increased rates of multiple postoperative complications.