The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is critical for speech as it provides nerve function to muscles in the larynx, or voice box. People have two RLNs, one on each side of the neck.

The ORs for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury for patients with any hypocalcemia, 30-day hypocalcemia, clinically severe hypocalcemia, and drain use were 2.39, 2.21, 2.15, and 1.57, respectively ...