Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of transcranial electric motor evoked potentials (tceMEPs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) has gained universal acceptance as an efficacious method for detecting emerging positional brachial plexopathy or peripheral nerve compression during spinal and shoulder surgery. This has implications for transaxillary thyroid surgery.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report with literature review.
METHODS: The patient underwent robotic transaxillary thyroid surgery with continuous tceMEP and SSEP monitoring of brachial plexus function. We present detailed IONM data depicting the emergence of positional brachial plexopathy.
RESULTS: Significant amplitude loss of both IONM modalities were identified during an evolving positional plexopathy, which resolved upon upper extremity repositioning and conversion to an open procedure. No permanent nerve injury or deficit was noted following surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: Given the potential for brachial plexus injury during robotic transaxillary thyroid surgery secondary to arm positioning, we recommend that continuous tceMEP and SSEP monitoring be considered during such procedures.
Recommended Citation
Luginbuhl, Adam; Schwartz, Daniel M; Sestokas, Anthony K; Cognetti, David; and Pribitkin, Edmund, "Detection of evolving injury to the brachial plexus during transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy." (2012). Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers. Paper 15.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/otofp/15
Arm Extension HOB view
Tracing_baseline.PNG (48 kB)
Tracing Baseline
Tracing_intraop.PNG (66 kB)
Tracing Intraop
Tracing_postop.PNG (62 kB)
Tracing postop
PubMed ID
22095913
Comments
This article has been peer reviewed. It is the authors' final version prior to publication in Laryngoscope
Volume 122, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 110-115.
The published version is available at DOI: 10.1002/lary.22429. Copyright © Wiley