A Study of Relation of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve to Inferior Thyroid Artery and Thyroid Gland

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe recurrent laryngeal nerve is one of the constant branches of vagus nerve. In this study, our aim is to find out the variations of recurrent laryngeal nerve by dissecting the neck of 25 cadavers. Aim of the study was to-1. Find out the recurrent laryngeal nerve which is located in the Tracheo-oesphageal groove or outside the groove on right and left side. 2. Study the branching pattern of the recurrent laryngeal nerve on both sides. 3. Study the relationship of the recurrent laryngeal nerve with the inferior thyroid artery and to the thyroid gland on both sides. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe present study was conducted by dissecting the neck of 25 cadavers in the department of Anatomy, Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala. RESULTSThe recurrent laryngeal nerve in 88% of cases is seen in the tracheo-oesophageal groove and in 12% of cases, the nerve is seen on lateral surface of trachea. In all the cases, the recurrent laryngeal nerve originated from the vagus. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was in the trachea-oesophageal groove of left side in 22 and outside it in 3 cases. CONCLUSIONTo avoid injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery, a thorough knowledge of position of the nerve and its relationship with the inferior thyroid artery is of great importance.