Vocal Fold Movement Impairment Screening in Pediatric Surgery

Children undergoing cervical and/or thoracic operations are at risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, resulting in vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI). However, screening for VFMI is often reserved for symptomatic patients. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of VFMI in screened preoperative patients before an at‐risk operation to evaluate the value of screening all patients at risk for VFMI, regardless of symptoms. Routine screening for VFMI should be considered in all at‐risk patients, regardless of symptoms or prior operations, particularly in those with a history of an at‐risk surgery, the presence of a tracheostomy, or a surgical feeding tube.