Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during surgery can result in which complication?

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve that plays a crucial role in motor innervation of most of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, which are responsible for controlling the vocal cords. Injury to this nerve during surgery can lead to vocal cord paralysis. This condition manifests as hoarseness or a change in the voice, as one or both vocal cords may not be able to move appropriately, affecting the ability to produce sound.

Vocal cord paralysis can significantly impact a person's ability to speak clearly, and in some cases, it can lead to airway complications if both vocal cords are involved. This focus on the direct consequences of the nerve's function helps clarify why this option is the correct answer in the context of surgical complications associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Understanding the anatomy and the consequences of nerve damage is essential for recognizing the complications that can arise from surgical procedures involving structures in the neck.