Utilization of recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery in China: a point prevalence survey (2015-2023).

BACKGROUND

The survey aimed to elucidate the complete range of national practices, including all technical and non-technical aspects, as well as surgical stratification and maturation, of the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroid surgery in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six national questionnaires, developed by the Chinese Neural Monitoring Study Group (CNMSG) between 2015 and 2023, were used to collect and analyze data regarding the clinical application, education, and scientific research related to IONM in Chinese medical institutions.

RESULTS

Among the surveyed hospitals, 45% reported an average annual surgical volume exceeding 3000 cases, with 82.5% performing more than 80% of the surgeries for malignant thyroid tumors. Additionally, 97.5% of the hospitals reported a less than 3% incidence of postoperative hoarseness with IONM. Statistical analysis from 2011 to 2015 found that the incidence of postoperative hoarseness decreased by 30% in 2013 compared with 2011, when the technology was introduced. Preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopies were routinely performed by 82.5% and 15% of the hospitals, respectively. For 65% of the hospitals, the publication of the Chinese edition of neuromonitoring guidelines in 2013 prompted the utilization of IONM technology. An average annual number of IONM applications exceeding 500 cases (18.5% the average volume) was reported by 80% of the hospitals, while 62.5% reported a cumulative number of applications greater than 5000 cases (47.1% the average cumulative volume). Regarding technical parameters, 75% of the hospitals reported an intraoperative V1 amplitude of greater than 500 µV, and 70% reported an intraoperative loss of signal (LOS) rate of less than 3%. 92.5% of the surveyed hospitals believed that IONM could help identify dissociated nerves, and 95% of the surveyed hospitals believed that IONM could reduce nerve damage. However, 72.5% of the respondents thought that cost was the main limitation. Furthermore, 67.5% of the hospitals reported that half of their thyroid surgical team members were trained in IONM, with 17.5% reporting that all team members were trained. Areas for reinforced training included IONM research methods and directions (72.5%) and analysis and treatment of abnormal EMG signals (72.5%). Research projects related to IONM were conducted by 42.5% of the hospitals, while 52.5% had published papers on neuromonitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

IONM was independently and incrementally associated with the annual surgical volume. This survey emphasized the importance of national collaboration and/or a registry for the uptake, consolidation, and development of CNMSG consensus.