What does it mean to not preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer does not preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which usually means that the recurrent laryngeal nerve is removed during thyroid cancer surgery. At this time, the patient may experience sequelae such as hoarseness and coughing when drinking water. It is recommended that the patient actively undergo rehabilitation training after surgery.

1. Hoarseness: Since the recurrent laryngeal nerve is the motor nerve that controls the vocal cords, if the recurrent laryngeal nerve is not preserved during thyroid cancer surgery, the vocal cords will not be able to move normally, thus causing hoarseness. It is recommended that patients can be treated by nebulization inhalation under the guidance of a doctor, such as nebulization inhalation of drugs such as budesonide suspension, to improve vocal cord edema. If necessary, patients can also use nerve nourishing drugs such as methylcobalamin tablets for treatment as prescribed by the doctor;

2. Coughing when drinking water: Since the recurrent laryngeal nerve is also responsible for controlling the movement of the throat muscles, when the recurrent laryngeal nerve is removed, it will also cause the throat muscles to lose control and cause coughing when drinking water. It is recommended that patients can eat liquid foods such as millet porridge and pumpkin porridge appropriately, and avoid eating spicy foods such as peppers and peppers. At the same time, patients can also receive auxiliary treatments such as acupuncture under the guidance of a doctor;

3. Other situations: In addition to the above situations, if the patient does not preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid cancer surgery, it may also cause breathing difficulties. It is recommended that patients seek medical treatment in a timely manner and choose appropriate treatment methods according to their specific conditions under the guidance of a doctor.

It is recommended that patients keep the wound clean and hygienic after surgery to avoid infection. In addition, they should also pay attention to maintaining a light diet, and can eat millet porridge, noodles and other foods appropriately.