Recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring in esophagectomy is easy to use and feasible in both open and minimally invasive surgery

Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is a considerable contributor to morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy.1 The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy after esophagectomy depends mainly on tumor site, extent of lymphadenectomy, and surgical approach. Incidence can also differ significantly between centers as the result of different definitions and follow-up programs. In international literature, the incidence of RLN palsy after esophagectomy ranges from 9% to 22%,2-4 but some Asian centers have reported incidences of up to 59%,5 probably as the result of extensive routine lymphadenectomy.