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  1. Recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery: a critical appraisal
    Hisham AN, Lukman MR
    ANZ J Surg, 2002 Dec;72(12):887-9.
    PMID: 12485227 DOI: 10.1046/j.1445-2197.2002.02578.x
    BACKGROUND: Identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is of major concern in surgery of the thyroid gland. The purpose of this study was to review the surgical anatomy of the nerve and to describe its relationship to other important structures.
    METHODS: A total of 325 patients were accrued in this prospective non-randomized study from January 1999 to December 2000. All patients who had total, subtotal and hemithyroidectomies were included in this study. Each side of the thyroid gland was considered as a separate unit in the analysis of the results.
    RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-six patients had thyroidectomies as their primary operation, while 49 patients had them as a reoperative procedure. There were 276 women and 46 men (6:1 female to male ratio) with a mean age of 43.1 years (range: 10-84 years). The total number of dissections was 502. The RLN was clearly identified in 491 (97.8%) dissections: single trunk in 323 dissections (65.8%), two extralaryngeal branches in 164 dissections (33.4%), and three extralaryngeal branches in three dissections (0.6%). One non-recurrent laryngeal nerve was encountered (0.2%) in the series. The proximity of the RLN to the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) was noted in 444 (90.4%) dissections: 372 (83.8%) nerves were described to be posterior and intertwined between the branches of the ITA, and in 72 (16.2%) RLNs, they were observed to be anterior to the ITA. The close association of RLN to an enlarged tubercle of Zuckerkandl was documented in 381 dissections (73.7%). A total of 231 RLNs (60.8%) was seen in the tracheoesophageal groove, 18 (4.9%) nerves were observed to be lateral to the trachea, and in 109 (28.3%), they were posterior in location. Of concern in 23 (6.0%) dissections the RLN was on the anterior surface of the thyroid gland, which is at highest risk of injury before curving down to pass behind the tubercle of Zuckerkandl. It appears that the anterior course of the RLN was seen more often in the reoperative procedures to the thyroid gland (20%).
    CONCLUSIONS: Although various methods of localizing the RLN have been described, surgeons should be aware of the variations and have a thorough knowledge of normal anatomy in order to achieve a high standard of care. This will ensure the integrity and safety of the RLN in thyroid surgery. The anatomical variation may be minor in degree, but is of great importance as it may affect the outcome of the surgery and the patient's quality of life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve/anatomy & histology*
  2. Zuckerkandl's tubercle of the thyroid gland in association with pressure symptoms: a coincidence or consequence?
    Hisham AN, Aina EN
    Aust N Z J Surg, 2000 Apr;70(4):251-3.
    PMID: 10779054
    BACKGROUND: The Zuckerkandl's tubercle (ZT) of the thyroid gland is a well-described anatomical landmark, but few studies have clearly defined its association with pressure symptoms.

    METHODS: Sixty-six consecutive patients who had primary thyroid surgery were prospectively included in the present study between late January and early August 1998.

    RESULTS: A total of 96 capsular dissections were performed at thyroid surgery. Grades two and three ZT were recognized in 77 (80.2%) dissections. In general 49 (63.6%) of them were associated with significant pressure symptoms. In 43 (87.8%) of the dissections with pressure symptoms, grade 3 ZT was observed (mean weight of goitre: 154.8 g). Interestingly in this group, 16 (37.2%) patients with pressure symptoms had a goitre that was < 100 g and in one patient it was only 21 g.

    CONCLUSIONS: The pressure symptom of the thyroid gland does not always appear to be due to the large size of the goitre. In a relatively small-size goitre the ZT may cause significant pressure symptoms. Observations in the present study supported a strong association of enlarged ZT with pressure symptoms. We believe this is unlikely to be simply a coincidence but rather a consequence of the enlarged tubercle. Nonetheless a prospective randomized study is called for to allow meaningful and objective evidence to be drawn.

    Matched MeSH terms: Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve/anatomy & histology
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