What's New

Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is located in the lower neck, directly behind the thyroid gland. An injury to this nerve during thyroid surgery can result in hoarseness. Fortunately, when thyroid surgery is performed by experienced surgeons, this complication is very rare. To further decrease the risk of hoarseness, intraoperative RLN monitoring is now performed routinely on patients undergoing thyroid surgery at NYU. Special monitoring electrodes are used so that the identity and function of the RLN can be continuously assessed as surgery progresses. The availability of this advanced technique reflects our constant commitment to patient safety and to minimizing the risks of surgery.

Dr. Patel Receives Research Grant

Dr. Kepal Patel, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Biochemistry, has received a grant of $50,000 to support his research into the intracellular molecular changes associated with the development of thyroid cancer. By understanding these fundamental changes within the cell, new approaches to the treatment of thyroid cancer may be devised. This highly competitive grant is awarded by the THANC Foundation in cooperation with the American Thyroid Association.