A nonsurgical trauma causing bilateral adductor palsy of the vocal folds following total thyroidectomy

Vocal fold palsy is an uncommon cause of hoarseness of voice following thyroidectomy. The vocal fold palsy can be unilateral or bilateral, with presentation varying accordingly. There are often surgeons blamed for postthyroidectomy vocal fold palsy. However, there are certain subtle factors associated with vocal fold palsy that should be known to clinicians. Bilateral adductor palsy following thyroidectomy is a morbid clinical situation where the patient presents with aphonia and aspiration. Here, we present a case of postop-total thyroidectomy with adductor palsy of bilateral vocal folds. A nonsurgical reason for the vocal fold palsy was suggested by the clinical findings and the patient’s recovery. The knowledge of this case management is very important for surgeons to avoid such morbidity among patients.