Main Answer:
BL RLN injury is more likely to cause hypocalcemia compared to BL SLN injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
In cases of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, there is a higher risk of hypocalcemia due to the close anatomical relationship between the RLN and the parathyroid glands. The RLN innervates the parathyroid glands, which play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. Bilateral RLN injury can disrupt the normal functioning of the parathyroid glands, leading to decreased secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and subsequently causing hypocalcemia.
Hypocalcemia is less common in bilateral superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injury because the SLN does not directly innervate the parathyroid glands. While the SLN is involved in the sensory innervation of the supraglottic larynx, it does not have a direct impact on calcium homeostasis. Therefore, bilateral SLN injury is less likely to result in hypocalcemia compared to RLN injury.
In summary, the increased likelihood of hypocalcemia in cases of bilateral RLN injury is attributed to the disruption of the RLN-parathyroid gland connection. Understanding the anatomical relationships and functions of these nerves provides valuable insights into the potential complications associated with each type of injury.