Attempt of peripheral nerve reconstruction during lung cancer surgery

Abstract

Background: Vagus nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury are not rare complications of lung cancer surgery and can cause lethal consequences. Until now, no optimal method other than paying greater attention during surgery has been available.

Methods: Four patients underwent lung surgery that involved RLN or vagus nerve injury. The left RLN or vagus nerve was cut off and then reconstructed immediately during surgery. Two patients underwent direct anastomosis, while the remaining two underwent phrenic nerve replacing tension-relieving anastomosis.

Results: All patients were able to speak immediately after recovery. No or minimal glottal gap was observed during laryngoscopy conducted on the second day after surgery. Most patients achieved full recovery of voice quality.

Conclusions: Immediate reconstruction of RLN is technically feasible and can be carried out with satisfying short-term and long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Nerve regeneration; peripheral nerve; recurrent laryngeal nerve; vagus nerve.