scholarly journals Non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 3469
Author(s):  
Shah Urvin Manish ◽  
Boopathi Subbarayan ◽  
Saravanakumar Subbaraj ◽  
Tirou Aroul Tirougnanassambandamourty ◽  
S. Robinson Smile

The incidence of Non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is reported to be 0.6%-0.8% on the right side and in 0.004% on the left side. Damage to this nerve during thyroidectomy may lead to vocal cord complications and should therefore be prevented. A middle-aged woman with a nodular goiter who underwent subtotal thyroidectomy for multinodular colloid goiter. We encountered a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve on the right side in a patient during surgery. We were not able to find the inferior laryngeal nerve in its usual position using the customary anatomical landmarks. Instead, it was emerging directly from the right vagus nerve at a right angle and entering the larynx as a unique non-bifurcating nerve. Nonrecurrent inferior laryngeal nerve incidence is very rare, but when present, increases the risk of damage during thyroidectomy. Hence, it is very important to be aware of the anatomical variations of the inguinal lymph node (ILN) and the use of safe meticulous dissection while looking for the nerve during thyroidectomy. The use of Intra-operative neuro-monitoring (IONM) if available in thyroid surgery allows the surgeon to recognize and differentiate branches of the inferior laryngeal nerve (ILN) from sympathetic anastomoses, as well as NRLN during surgery.

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 670
Author(s):  
Alison M. Thomas ◽  
Daniel K. Fahim ◽  
Jickssa M. Gemechu

Accurate knowledge of anatomical variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) provides information to prevent inadvertent intraoperative injury and ultimately guide best clinical and surgical practices. The present study aims to assess the potential anatomical variability of RLN pertaining to its course, branching pattern, and relationship to the inferior thyroid artery, which makes it vulnerable during surgical procedures of the neck. Fifty-five formalin-fixed cadavers were carefully dissected and examined, with the course of the RLN carefully evaluated and documented bilaterally. Our findings indicate that extra-laryngeal branches coming off the RLN on both the right and left side innervate the esophagus, trachea, and mainly intrinsic laryngeal muscles. On the right side, 89.1% of the cadavers demonstrated 2–5 extra-laryngeal branches. On the left, 74.6% of the cadavers demonstrated 2–3 extra-laryngeal branches. In relation to the inferior thyroid artery (ITA), 67.9% of right RLNs were located anteriorly, while 32.1% were located posteriorly. On the other hand, 32.1% of left RLNs were anterior to the ITA, while 67.9% were related posteriorly. On both sides, 3–5% of RLN crossed in between the branches of the ITA. Anatomical consideration of the variations in the course, branching pattern, and relationship of the RLNs is essential to minimize complications associated with surgical procedures of the neck, especially thyroidectomy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. The information gained in this study emphasizes the need to preferentially utilize left-sided approaches for ACDF surgery whenever possible.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-158
Author(s):  
Blás Antonio Medina-Ruíz ◽  
Marta Osorio-Fleitas ◽  
María Belen Persano ◽  
Héctor Ricardo Dami ◽  
Ricardo Blasdimir Vega ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob S. Matubis ◽  
Karen June P. Dumlao ◽  
Ryner Jose C. Carrillo

Objective: To describe the anatomic relationship of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery in adult cadavers in the Philippines and to compare the proportions of these anatomic relationships with those reported in the foreign literature. Methods: Study design: Descriptive, cross-sectional Setting: University of the Philippines College of Medicine Anatomy Laboratory Subjects: Fifty-four (54)  preserved cadavers (108 sides) dissected within a period from June 2008 to Aug 2010. The anatomy and position of both  the right and the left recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN) and inferior thyroid arteries (ITA) were noted. The RLN was further classified into 2 variations: non-branching or branching prior to insertion at the cricothyroid joint, under the inferior constrictor muscle.  The ITA was also classified into non-branching and branching.  The results were compared to two foreign studies using a Z-test for two proportions. Results: Fifty four (54) cadavers (108) sides were dissected. Among the  cadavers, both the recurrent laryngeal nerves and inferior thyroid arteries had a maximum of two branches although both the RLNs and ITAs for both the right and left sides were mostly non-branching. The right side of one cadaver was noted to have both a branching RLN and a branching ITA. There were no non-recurrent laryngeal nerves seen among the 54 cadavers. For both left and right sides, the RLN was mostly dorsal to the ITA. Branching RLNs was mostly dorsal to a non-branching ITAs. Most of the non-branching RLNs were dorsal to the ITAs. Non-branching RLNs were usually dorsal to the ITA.               The local patterns of the course of the RLN in relation to the ITA approximates those of Chinese where there is predominance of the RLN dorsal to the ITA  but differs from those of Brazilians where the RLN is usually between ITA branches.    Conclusion: There are multiple anatomical variations with regards to the relationship of the RLN and the ITA. The anatomic variation among Asians may be different from Brazilians. The surgeon’s knowledge of the possible various configurations of the RLN and ITA should be able to help in identification and preservation of the RLN and prevention of complications in thyroid surgery. Keywords: recurrent laryngeal nerve, inferior thyroid  artery, thyroid surgery, Filipino cadavers, anatomical variations


2008 ◽  
Vol 123 (7) ◽  
pp. 768-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Page ◽  
P Cuvelier ◽  
A Biet ◽  
P Boute ◽  
M Laude ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To highlight a poorly known anatomical variation of the lateral lobe of the thyroid gland, which can be useful in identifying the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery.Materials and methods:We performed a three-year prospective study of 79 thyroid surgery patients. Great attention was paid to anatomical variations of the thyroid gland (i.e. the presence or absence of a distinct tubercle of Zuckerkandl), the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the location of the parathyroid glands.Results:A total of 71 right lobectomies and 74 left lobectomies were performed. Five tubercles of Zuckerkandl were identified (7.04 per cent of cases) and were useful in detecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve (but only on the right side).Conclusion:The tubercle of Zuckerkandl is a poorly known and variable anatomical feature of the thyroid gland which may not, in fact, be so rare. It arises for embryological reasons, and it can be a reliable anatomical landmark for identifying the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery. It should be included in the Nomina Anatomica as the ‘processus posterior glandulae thyroideae’ described by Zuckerkandl.


2015 ◽  
Vol 87 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Buła ◽  
Ryszard Mucha ◽  
Michał Paliga ◽  
Henryk Koziołek ◽  
Zbigniew Niedzielski ◽  
...  

Abstractwas to assess the frequency of non-recurrent laryngeal nerves (Non-RLN).A total of 6110 patients were operated in our hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2013 for various goiters (5429) and various types of hyperparathyroidism (618). Laryngeal nerve was exposed during operation in 1700 patients from superior aperture of the chest to superior aperture of the larynx. Identification process of RLN was started with dissecting inferior thyroid artery (ITA) and its junction with the nerve. Then main trunk of the nerve was exposed backwards till the region of superior aperture of the chest together with the end portion till the nerve outlet to the larynx.In the group of 1700 patients, RLN was exposed bilaterally in 1400 (82.4%) and unilaterally in 300 (17.6%). In the group of 3100 dissected RLNs the course of RLN was observed on the right side in 1710 patients and on the left in 1390. Irreversible nature RLN was shown in four cases (0.1%) – four women (02%) aged 42-55 (mean 49.3) – three operated for non-toxic nodular goiter and one for primary hyperparathyroidism. Each time the Non-RLN was seen on the right side. The other patients manifested recurrent character RLN. Moreover, interstitial course of RLN was found on the left side in one man.Non recurrent laryngeal nerve is a rare anatomical variation, occurring more frequently on the right side. Surgeon during surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands should be aware of its existence to avoid damage.


2007 ◽  
Vol 122 (7) ◽  
pp. 757-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Page ◽  
P Monet ◽  
J Peltier ◽  
B Bonnaire ◽  
V Strunski

AbstractPurpose of the study:We aimed to highlight a rare anatomical variation involving the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and to emphasise its implications for thyroid surgery.Materials and methods:Over a period of 13 years, 993 patients underwent thyroid surgery; 1557 recurrent laryngeal nerves (887 on the right side) were exposed.Results:Three non-recurrent laryngeal nerves were found on the right side, associated with a retro-oesophageal subclavian artery. One case was suspected before surgery.Discussion:Several variations in the path and branches of the recurrent laryngeal nerve have been reported in the literature. The frequency of occurrence of a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve is about 1 per cent, for patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Other surgically relevant anatomical variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve include associations with the inferior thyroid artery and the presence of nerve branches.Conclusion:The recurrent laryngeal nerve must be carefully dissected and totally exposed during thyroid surgery in order to best preserve its function. Moreover, the thyroid surgeon must be aware of the existence of anatomical variations, which are not as rare as one may think.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossano Kepler Alvim Fiorelli ◽  
Alfredo Jorge Vasconcelos Duarte ◽  
Aline de Quadros Teixeira ◽  
Thiago Scharth Montenegro ◽  
Pedro Eder Portari Filho ◽  
...  

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 793-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Schumacher ◽  
Irvin J. Weinfeld ◽  
Robert H. Bartlett

Five cases of unilateral vocal cord paralysis/ paresis were diagnosed following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for newborn respiratory failure. All were right sided and transient in nature. None of the five patients had other findings commonly associated with vocal cord palsy. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation procedure requires surgical dissection in the carotid sheath on the right side of the neck, an area immediately adjacent to both the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerve. It is speculated that vocal cord paralysis in these infants was acquired as a result of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation. Although the vocal cord paralysis resolved in all cases, two patients had difficult courses after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Therefore, laryngoscopic examination should be considered for patients after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e120
Author(s):  
Vinicius Ladeira Craveiro ◽  
Polina Osler ◽  
James W. Rocco ◽  
Joseph H. Schwab

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