Anesthesia Management of Total Thyroidectomy Using a NIM EMG Endotracheal Tube: A Case Report

Abstract

Total thyroidectomy is not routinely performed for indications other than malignancy until the last quarter of the twentieth century. Despite significant advancement in surgical techniques of total thyroidectomy developed by Theodore Kocher and William Halsted, significant risks including damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, hematoma, and thyroid storm are still important considerations when weighing against surgical benefits. Currently the use of neural integrity monitor (NIM) electromyogram (EMG) tracheal tube has become increasingly popular among surgeons to reduce risks of damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves. The purpose of this case report is to discuss anesthetic management in a 48-year-old female patient undergoing total thyroidectomy using a NIM endotracheal tube (Medtronic Xomed, Jacksonville, Florida).