Hoarsiness of voice

Unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is frequently well tolerated. Patients typically present during the postoperative period with hoarseness, decreased vocal projection, variation in vocal quality.

In a small number of patients, unilateral vocal-cord paralysis can be life-threatening, usually as a consequence of aspiration pneumonia and especially among older patients or those with impaired pulmonary function preoperatively. Permanent unilateral vocal-cord paralysis may cause a decrease in the quality of life as a result of poor voice quality, increased vocal effort, and decreased exercise tolerance.

Hoarseness of voice.