Bilateral Vocal Palsy After Total Thyroidectomy : Expert Opinion on Two Malpractice Claims

Two patients complained of hoarseness, respiratory distress and swallowing disorders early after total bilateral thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter and cancer, respectively. Faulty surgical techniques had caused injury to bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) during thyroidectomy and the associated central lymph node dissection. The operation notes showed no statement regarding the identification, dissection, exposure and/or functional integrity of the RLN on either side of the thyroid and no mention of the first resected lobe. This report reviews the personal experience of the authors in thyroid surgery for use in 2 medical malpractice claims and for future reference.