Postoperative Vocal Cord Paralysis After Retrieval of a Fishbone Penetrating the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve

A migratory fishbone is not a rare case in otorhinolaryngology clinics in Asia. Deep neck infection is a common complication, and several cases of preoperative vocal cord paralysis have been reported. However, postoperative vocal cord paralysis after the retrieval of a fishbone penetrating the recurrent laryngeal nerve has not been documented. Herein, we present such a case to improve related knowledge and emphasize the importance of preoperative evaluation, the prediction of prognosis, and the risk of postoperative unrecoverable vocal paralysis.