Preservation of Laryngeal Nerves during Thyroidectomy

Bledar Kola

Abstract: The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) provides motor innervation to the abductor and adductor muscles of the vocal cord, whereas the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) provides motor innervation to the cricothyroid muscle, which is the tensor muscle of the vocal cord. Both the RLN and the EBSLN are anatomically close to the thyroid and are therefore at risk of injury during thyroidectomy. These 2 laryngeal nerves must be carefully preserved during surgery to ensure that the function of the vocal cord is not impaired. Currently, complete exposure of the RLN during thyroidectomy is accepted as the gold standard method for the preservation of RLN. Sufficient knowledge of surgical anatomy, clinical experience, and meticulous surgical techniques are key factors in the identification and safe dissection of the RLN. During a thyroidectomy, the RLN can be identified using four different approaches, depending on the type of thyroid growth and choice of the surgeon: There are lateral, inferior, superior, and medial approaches.

Keywords: thyroidectomy, laryngeal nerves, vocal cord, surgery preservation, surgical techniques

How to Cite?: Bledar Kola, "Preservation of Laryngeal Nerves during Thyroidectomy", Volume 13 Issue 4, April 2024, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1314-1319, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR24405022545, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR24405022545