Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-wq2xx Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-16T19:52:37.485Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Right vocal fold paralysis as a result of central venous catheterization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

D. P. Martin-Hirsch  and
C. J. R. Newbegin
D. P. Martin-Hirsch*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, UK
C. J. R. Newbegin
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, UK
*
Mr D. P. Martin-Hirsch, 15 Adwalton Green, Drighlington, Bradford BD11 1B
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Invasive peri- and post-operative monitoring is being increasingly utilized, and a corresponding increase of concomitant complications are becoming apparent.

Two cases of complete right vocal fold paralysis are reported as a possible complication of right central venous catheterization. The underlying aetiology of this complication is presumed to be either direct trauma at the time of introduction of the central venous catheter, or by thrombosis and fibrosis around the recurrent laryngeal or vagus nerve. It is suggested that multiple attempts at cannulation and leaving the central line in situ for long periods increases the risk of this complication.

When the integrity of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus is jeopardized or must be sacrificed during surgery, it is suggested that ipsilateral central lines are inserted to minimize the risk of bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Cases of vocal fold paralysis secondary to central line insertion should be followed expectantly and surgical intervention only be considered after 12 months review.

Keywords

Vocal fold paralysisCatheterizationcentral venous
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 11 , November 1995 , pp. 1107 - 1108
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Cheong, K. E., Chan, M. Y., Sin-Fai-Lam, K. N. (1994) Bilateral vocal cord paralysis following endotracheal intubation. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 22: 206–208.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Davis, P., Watson, O. (1982) Homer's syndrome and vocal cord paralysis as a complication of percutaneous internal jugular vein catheterisation in adults. Anaesthesia 37: 587–588.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hahn, F. W., Martin, J. T., Little, J. C. (1970) Vocal cord paralysis with endotracheal intubation. Archives of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery 92: 226–229.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hartley, M., Vaughan, R. S. (1993) Problems associated with endotracheal extubation. British Journal of Anaesthesia 71: 561–568.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Katz, A. D., Nemiroff, P. (1993) Anastomoses and bifurcations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve: report of 1177 nerves visualized. American Surgeon 59: 188–191.Google Scholar
Nun, J. F., Utting, J. E., Brown, B. R. (1989) Intratracheal intubation. In General Anaesthesia. 5th Edition. Butterworth & Co., London, p 537.Google Scholar
Parikh, R. K. (1972) Horner's syndrome: a complication of percutaneous catheterization of the internal jugular vein. Anaesthesia 27: 327–329.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Raz, S., Ramanathan, V. (1984) Injection injuries of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Laryngoscope 94: 197–200.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sadek, S. A. A., Nassar, W. Y., Tobias, M. A. (1987) Teflon injection of the vocal cords under general anaesthesia (review of 262 cases). Journal of Laryngology and Otology 101: 695–705.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Santos, P. M., Afrassiabi, A., Weymuller, E. A. Jr. (1994) Risk factors associated with prolonged intubation and laryngeal injury. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 111: 453–459.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sim, D. W., Robertson, M. R. I. (1989) Right vocal cord paralysis after internal jugular vein cannulation. Journal of Laryngology and Otology 103: 424.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Smith, B. E., Modiel, J. H., Gaub, M. L., Moxa, F. (1965) Complications of subclavian vein catheterization. Archives of Surgery 90: 228–229.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Stern, W., Saver, W., Dauber, W. (1990) Complications of central venous catheterisation from an anatomical point of view. Ada Anatomica 138: 137–143.Google ScholarPubMed
Weymuller, E. A. Jr. (1992) Prevention and management of intubation injury of the larynx and trachea. American Journal of Otolaryngology 13: 139–144.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Young, N., Stewart, S. (1953) Laryngeal lesions following endotracheal anaesthesia: a report of 12 adult cases. British Journal of Anaesthesia 25: 32–2.CrossRefGoogle Scholar