Neurorrhaphy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

ABSTRACT

The authors have experimentally performed neurorrhaphy and its modifications and nerve grafting with end-to-end anastomosis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in dogs. Recovery of a neurorrhaphy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve resulted in the bizarre and spasmodic movement of the vocal cords. These effects were recorded by means of electromyography and 16 mm cinematography to demonstrate restoration of nerve muscle function and vocal cord movements. From these results, it was concluded that these single modes were not adequate for restoration of laryngeal function, however, some specific attention is given to a few trophic changes of the affected muscles after a period of ten months postoperative.