Which post-thyroidectomy complication is NOT typically associated with upper airway obstruction?

Which post-thyroidectomy complication is NOT typically associated with upper airway obstruction?

• A. Tracheomalacia
• B. Cervical hematoma
• C. Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury
• D. Bilateral superior laryngeal nerve injury

Answer: (D)

Airway obstruction after thyroidectomy typically comes from a problem that narrows the airway either from external compression or from loss of proper glottic function. A hematoma in the neck can rapidly compress the trachea, making breathing difficult or impossible. If both recurrent laryngeal nerves are injured, both vocal cords can be paralyzed in a position that narrows the airway, leading to obstruction. Tracheomalacia, a weakness of the tracheal cartilage from long-standing compression by a goiter, can also cause dynamic airway collapse after the surgery. Injury to both superior laryngeal nerves does not usually produce acute airway obstruction. The superior laryngeal nerves mainly affect voice quality and pitch (the external branch affects cricothyroid tension; the internal branch provides sensation above the cords). While these injuries can impair phonation and possibly aspiration risk, they do not typically compromise the airway diameter in the immediate postoperative period.

Airway obstruction after thyroidectomy typically comes from a problem that narrows the airway either from external compression or from loss of proper glottic function. A hematoma in the neck can rapidly compress the trachea, making breathing difficult or impossible. If both recurrent laryngeal nerves are injured, both vocal cords can be paralyzed in a position that narrows the airway, leading to obstruction. Tracheomalacia, a weakness of the tracheal cartilage from long-standing compression by a goiter, can also cause dynamic airway collapse after the surgery.

Injury to both superior laryngeal nerves does not usually produce acute airway obstruction. The superior laryngeal nerves mainly affect voice quality and pitch (the external branch affects cricothyroid tension; the internal branch provides sensation above the cords). While these injuries can impair phonation and possibly aspiration risk, they do not typically compromise the airway diameter in the immediate postoperative period.