A-H

Likely your right recurrent laryngeal nerve was injured. My suspicion is the assailant, as you stated, attacked from behind and was right handed. Therefore, the deeper impact of his incision on your neck was on the right. I am also suspecting it was your right carotid that was injured.

FWIW, vocal cord paralysis is not uncommon with anterior neck surgery. The hoarseness resolves with time either because the nerve function returns, or, alternatively, the contra lateral (other side) compensates for the paralyzed side and moves over.

Not any sort of formal advice or anything, and I in no way am supporting the following statement..

However, if you ever have to have anterior neck surgery again, have your vocal cord function evaluated first. Your right vocal cord may or may not be paralyzed. If you ever have surgery on the left that injures that nerve you'll be unable to speak or swallow. PRIOR TO ANY NECK SURGERY, ASK FOR A DIRECT VISUAL LARYNGOSCOPY, and ask to see the results. You should understand the report saying "right vocal cord paresis, visualized in midline, non functional"

That means your right vocal cord is not working and compensates. DO NOT HAVE SURGERY ON THE LEFT

Neurosurgeon here. Those are difficult, but great, cases. You seem to be taking it in stride, glad to see your doing so well.

What kind of tumor? Where was it located?

You were one of my favorite comedians. Thanks for putting on a great time in Ottumwa for RAGBRAI.