Large Multinodular Goiter in Surgery — 45yo Woman | General Surgery | SMLE Q#12394
SMLE Question #12394
Surgery
General Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRACH-EMERG-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 45-year-old woman undergoes total thyroidectomy for a large multinodular goiter. In recovery, she develops hoarseness and a weak, breathy voice without respiratory distress. Flexible laryngoscopy shows the left vocal cord is immobile in a paramedian position, and the right vocal cord moves normally. What is the most likely cause of this complication?
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