Cernea's classification of the External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve during Microscopic Thyroidectomy at Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara

Background: Preservation of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during thyroidectomy is important because its injury may lead to frequent occurrence of vocal fatigue and the inability to perform phonation. The objective of the study was to identify and classify the nerve as per Cernea's classification using operating microscope during thyroidectomy Method: Between January 2017 to December 2019, we evaluated 50 patients for the position of external branch of superior laryngeal nerve, who underwent microscopic thyroid surgeries in the department of ENT- head and neck surgery at Gandaki Medical College. Results: In our study, we dissected a total 59 superior poles of thyroid from 50 patients and identified the nerve in all the cases. Of the total superior poles, 36 (61.01%) had type IIa EBSLN among which 24 was on the right side and 12 on the left followed by 19 (32.20%) patients with type IIb EBSLN among which 8 on right and 11 on left side. There were only 4 poles (6.77%) of type I with 3 on the right and 1 on the left side. Conclusion: The EBSLN can be very efficaciously identified during a microscope assisted thyroidectomy. Cernea type 2a and 2b EBSLNs are in position to be at high risk of injury during ligation of the superior vascular pedicle, which can be avoided by prompt identification through a microscope and a meticulous extra capsular dissection technique.

Steam Generator Strength Computation for Nuclear Electric Power Plants of a Low Power

Today, the world oversees an explosive development of the nuclear power stations (NPS) of a low power. Most projects deal with pressurized water reactors and as a matter of fact with steam generators (SG). Ukraine has a well-developed engineering industry backbone that can be used for the production of the equipment required for the nuclear power plants of a low power. This scientific paper delves into the computations of the strength of elements used for the monotube steam generator with cylindrical coils that is the most presentable of all the projects in question in IAEA materials. Appropriate methods were developed to perform structural computations and steam generator strength computations. The mathematical model was developed that allows us to perform strength computations of the SG elements making use of the analytical method with reference to the Regulations and do simulations using the ANSYS software code. The specified elements include the body elements, in particular the cylindrical part, the flange, the bottom and the cover, including the heat carrier branch pipe and heat exchange tubes. The comparison of the data obtained by both methods showed their similarity and accordingly, the accuracy of the data that are indicative of the need for an increase in the wall thickness of the cylindrical part of the external branch pipe intended for the heat carrier. The body bottom strain for calculated dimensions exceeds the permissible value by 1.56 %. Since this value is 5 % lower than permissible values it is deemed that the strength condition is passed through. The simulation proved that the strength conditions are met for heat exchange tubes, for the body, the body cover, the body flange, the conical part of the external branch pipe intended for the heat carrier. Based on the analysis done, we would like to recommend performing strength computations using the normative method with the subsequent check out by the simulation using the computer code.

Correlation Between Objective and Subjective High-Pitched Voice Impairment in Patients After Thyroid Surgery

ObjectivesHigh-pitched voice impairment (HPVI) is not uncommon in patients without recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) or external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) injury after thyroidectomy. This study evaluated the correlation between subjective and objective HPVI in patients after thyroid surgery.MethodsThis study analyzed 775 patients without preoperative subjective HPVI and underwent neuromonitored thyroidectomy with normal RLN/EBSLN function. Multi-dimensional voice program, voice range profile and Index of voice and swallowing handicap of thyroidectomy (IVST) were performed during the preoperative(I) period and the immediate(II), short-term(III) and long-term(IV) postoperative periods. The severity of objective HPVI was categorized into four groups according to the decrease in maximum frequency (Fmax): <20%, 20-40%, 40-60%, and >60%. Subjective HPVI was evaluated according to the patient’s answers on the IVST.ResultsAs the severity of objective HPVI increased, patients were significantly more to receive bilateral surgery (p=0.002) and have subjective HPVI (p<0.001), and there was no correlation with IVST scores. Among 211(27.2%) patients with subjective HPVI, patients were significantly more to receive bilateral surgery (p=0.003) and central neck dissection(p<0.001). These patients had very similar trends for Fmax, pitch range, and mean fundamental frequency as patients with 20-40% Fmax decrease (p>0.05) and had higher Jitter, Shimmer, and IVST scores than patients in any of the objective HPVI groups; subjective HPVI lasted until period-IV.ConclusionThe factors that affect a patient’s subjective HPVI are complex, and voice stability (Jitter and Shimmer) is no less important than the Fmax level. When patients have subjective HPVI without a significant Fmax decrease after thyroid surgery, abnormal voice stability should be considered and managed. Fmax and IVST scores should be interpreted comprehensively, and surgeons and speech-language pathologists should work together to identify patients with HPVI early and arrange speech therapy for them. Regarding the process of fibrosis formation, anti-adhesive material application and postoperative intervention for HPVI require more future research.

Can we routinely identify the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves with neural monitoring?: a prospective report on 176 consecutive nerves at risk

The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) provides motor function to the cricothyroid muscle (CTM). EBSLN damage produces changes in voice quality and projection. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) in thyroid surgery aims to optimize EBSLN control during dissection. We prospectively collected the data of 88 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with IONM from July 2019 to December 2019. IONM was offered in the intermittent mode of application. We routinely searched for the EBSLN electromyographic (EMG) signal before (S1) and after (S2) dissection of the superior vascular peduncle. In the absence of the EMG signal, we observed the CTM twitch. We identified 141 (80%) S1 EMG signals, while we recorded the CTM twitch in 15 cases (8.5%). In 20 (11.3%) cases, we were unable to identify the EMG signal. Analysing the S2 results, we found loss of EBSLN signal in 11/141 cases (7.8%) identified with IONM in pre-dissection stimulation. Among the 20 cases without pre-dissection identification (we had not identified the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve or the muscle twitch), in the post-dissection evaluation, we confirmed the loss of signal in 17 of 20 cases, equal to 85% (p < 0.001). Our data clearly show that intraoperative stimulation and recognition of EBSLN, performed before any dissection manoeuvre to the superior vascular thyroid pole, leads to a much higher rate of nerve conservation.

Protection of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA): an observational study

Background: Avoiding injury of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve（EBSLN） is one of the major challenges during thyroid surgery, especially in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). This study aimed to investigate the protective strategies of the EBSLN during TOETVA. Methods: In order to protect the EBSLN during TOETVA, we adopted the method of identification the nerve by anatomy and localization. The method of anatomy involves the dissection of EBSLN by complete transection of the sternothyroid muscle in the attachment of the thyroid cartilage. The method of localization involves nerve stimulation localization, which produces cricothyroid contractile activity through intraoperative nerve monitoring stimulation (IONM). Concurrently, patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 3 weeks postoperatively in an individual prospective cohort study using a stroboscopic laryngoscope and the voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10). The VHI-10 score was used to evaluate voice changes. Results: We retrospectively analyzed patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who underwent TOETVA in the thyroid center of the Beijing Tongren hospital between February 2018 and June 2020. Patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve（RLN）damage were excluded. Sixty patients were enrolled in this study, of which four underwent total thyroidectomy. Intraoperatively, 56 EBSLNs were located (56/64, 87.50%). Among these, the left EBSLN was identified in 20/25(80.00%) and the right EBSLN was identified in 36/39 (92.31%) cases. One week postoperatively, a blinded stroboscopic laryngoscope examination showed that no patient had paresis of the EBSLN. However, the VHI-10 score was significantly higher than the preoperative value (10.58 ± 4.54 vs. 3.00 ± 1.54, p＜0.01). At three weeks postoperatively, the overall score was still different from that preoperatively (4.83 ± 3.34 vs. 3.00 ± 1.54, p＜0.01); however, the vast majority of patients returned to their preoperative status. Conclusion: In TOETVA, the EBSLN can be well exposed by transection of the sternothyroid muscle, and combined with IONM, the protection of the function of the EBSLN can be guaranteed. Simultaneously, we observed that TOETVA could cause a short-term voice handicap in patients, with such changes generally returning to normal within three weeks.