Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Mediastinoscopy: Predictors of Injury

Our data demonstrate that traction in the anterior mediastinum causes the greatest stimulation to the nerves, even greater than direct stimulation with current. Thus, these data suggest that injuries could result only from traction. Traction on both recurrent nerves can occur with dissection along the trachea. Laryngeal nerve monitoring can be used to direct biopsies in the left paratracheal groove.