1. The document discusses peripheral nerve complications that can occur after surgery, with an incidence of hoarseness (voice changes) being 11% after patients are discharged from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
2. Peripheral nerve injuries are a known complication of surgery and anesthesia due to positioning during the procedure and/or direct nerve trauma. Common sites of injury include the brachial plexus, ulnar, and radial nerves.
3. Preventing peripheral nerve injuries requires careful patient positioning, padding of pressure points, appropriate padding and protection of nerves at surgical sites, and awareness of nerve anatomy and locations at risk during procedures by all operating room staff. Monitoring for early signs of injuries and