The effect of strap muscle transection on voice and swallowing changes after thyroidectomy in patients without laryngeal nerve injury.

INTRODUCTION: Voice and swallowing symptoms are frequently reported after thyroidectomy even without laryngeal nerve injury. We aimed to evaluate the effect of strap muscle transection on voice and swallowing outcome after thyroidectomy. METHODS: Group 1 (G1) consisted of 17 patients who had their strap muscles transected during thyroidectomy and group 2 (G2) consisted of 17 patients who had their strap muscles preserved during thyroidectomy. None of the patients had laryngeal nerve injury. Voice impairment scores (VIS) and swallowing impairment scores (SIS) were obtained preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative vocal cord examinations were performed for all patients. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) was evaluated by intraoperative cricothyroid muscle electromyography. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in VIS and SIS between the two groups. At postoperative week 1, the VIS and SIS for each group were above preoperative values (G1: p = 0.005 and p = 0.035; G2: p = 0.031, p = 0.346, for VIS and SIS respectively). The VIS and SIS scores at 6 months postoperatively were significantly lower than those of the first week postoperatively (G1: p = 0.04 and p = 0.001; G2: p = 0.022 and p = 0.034 respectively) and similar to preoperative values (G1: p = 0.924 and p = 0.086; G2: p = 0.822 and p = 0.187 respectively). CONCLUSION: Although voice and swallowing complaints increased in the early postoperative period even without recurrent laryngeal nerve and EBSLN injuries, these symptoms are not related with the strap muscle transection.

Obturator hernia presenting partial obstruction in an elderly patient.

Obturator hernia (OH) is a relatively rare pelvic hernia. OH is usually seen in elderly, multiparous females and patients with a low body weight. Obturator hernia accounts for 0.07-0.4% of all intraabdominal hernias and 0.2-5.8% of small bowel hernias. The diagnosis of obturator hernia can be difficult and often delayed. Any therapeutic delay is associated with serious complications and higher mortality rates. The correct preoperative diagnosis of obturator hernia is facilitated by computed tomography (CT). Our case was admitted to our emergency unit with intolerance to oral intake for one week. Abdominal ultrasonography was not helpful. The CT of the abdomen revealed the incarcerated intestinal segment. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the CT findings. The intestine was gangrenous and perforated. Segmental resection and anastomosis was performed. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential. This demonstrates that emergency CT scan is useful for the diagnosis of obturator hernia in patients presenting with mechanical intestinal obstruction of unknown origin.