The Claim

Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis occurs in approximately 1.16% of patients after total thyroidectomy, with 0.77% experiencing unilateral paralysis and 0.39% experiencing bilateral paralysis, indicating a low but clinically significant risk of voice and airway complications following this procedure.

Source: Assessment of the morbidity and complications of total thyroidectomy.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
40score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

After having your entire thyroid removed, about 1 in 85 people might have trouble using their voice or breathing because a small nerve gets damaged — it’s rare, but doctors take it seriously.

See the scientific wording

Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis occurs in approximately 1.16% of patients after total thyroidectomy (0.77% unilateral and 0.39% bilateral), indicating a low but clinically significant risk of voice and airway complications following this procedure.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Assessment of the morbidity and complications of total thyroidectomy.

    This study looked at people who had their entire thyroid removed and found that about 1 in 86 had voice problems due to nerve damage — exactly what the claim says. So the study supports the claim.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.