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Localization of the recurrent laryngeal nerve using ultrasound (923.5)
Author(s) -
Snosek Michael,
Margarit Georgiana,
Burns Danny,
Hage Robert,
Tubbs Shane,
Loukas Marios
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.923.5
Subject(s) - medicine , recurrent laryngeal nerve , cadaveric spasm , ultrasound , thyroid , esophagus , inferior thyroid artery , neurovascular bundle , anatomy , radiology , surgery
The anatomical course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) deep to the thyroid gland predisposes it to iatrogenic damage during thyroid surgery. The course of the nerve and its anatomical variations are well documented in the literature. The aim of this study was to localize the RLN in relation to key surgical landmarks with the aid of non‐invasive modalities such as ultrasound. METHODS: We examined 50 adult healthy individuals with the aid of Logiq E ultrasound unit using a 12Hz linear transducer. In addition, 20 cadaveric specimens were examined with the aid of ultrasound and then dissected to identify the RLN. RESULTS: The RLN was identified in 10 individuals (20%) as a linear hypoechoic structure in the tracheoesophageal groove. The RLN was found in 6 cadaveric specimens. Despite the fact that the RLN itself was not identified in the majority of the necks, the ultrasound can identify the plane between the thyroid gland and the esophagus, where the RLN can most commonly be found. CONCLUSIONS: This study introduces a new, non‐invasive technique for localizing the RLN and the space between the thyroid and the esophagus. This technique might be of benefit for presurgical localization of the RLN or ultrasound‐guided needle procedures.