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The recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery—anatomical variations during surgery

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Abstract

Background and aims

Recognition of variations of the inferior laryngeal nerve is essential. We aimed to investigate the relationship of the inferior laryngeal nerve with the inferior thyroid artery.

Materials and methods

A study was undertaken between August 2005 and August 2006. A total of 253 adult patients undergoing thyroid surgery were included in this prospective, non-randomized study. Both sides of the thyroid gland were considered separately.

Results

Sixteen variations of the nerve were clarified. In the most observed variation, the nerve was deep to the artery. Two and three nervous branches were seen in 22.5% and 1.6% of the patients, respectively. Bifurcation of the nerve was mostly observed on the left side. No non-recurrent laryngeal nerve was found.

Conclusion

To avoid the risk of nerve damage during thyroid surgery, a good knowledge of the variations of the inferior laryngeal nerve is essential. This is important to achieve an undisturbed quality of life for the thyroid patient.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey

    Ozer Makay, Gokhan Icoz, Mustafa Yilmaz, Mahir Akyildiz & Enis Yetkin

Authors
  1. Ozer Makay
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  2. Gokhan Icoz
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  3. Mustafa Yilmaz
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  4. Mahir Akyildiz
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  5. Enis Yetkin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ozer Makay.

Additional information

Preliminary results of this current study were presented at the 2nd Thyroid Cancer Conference held in Milano, Italy on 2nd–4th July 2006.

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Makay, O., Icoz, G., Yilmaz, M. et al. The recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery—anatomical variations during surgery. Langenbecks Arch Surg 393, 681–685 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-008-0320-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-008-0320-8

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