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The surgical anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve and the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
Author(s) -
Hill James H.,
Olson Nels R.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-197912000-00006
Subject(s) - accessory nerve , medicine , anatomy , dissection (medical) , cervical plexus , sternocleidomastoid muscle , superior laryngeal nerve , cadaver , laryngectomy , neck dissection , recurrent laryngeal nerve , surgery , larynx , thyroid , carcinoma
Injury to the spinal accessory nerve may occur during conservation neck dissection. In supraglottic laryngectomy preservation of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve has largely been ignored. Cadaver dissection and diagrams are used to review the surgical anatomy of these two structures. Particularly important are the relationship of the spinal accessory nerve to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, its interaction with the cervical plexus, and its superficial path inferiorly. Landmarks for the identification of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve are indicated, and technique for preservation is described. An intact accessory nerve can be efficiently preserved thereby eliminating the shoulder syndrome. Significant sparing of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve can be routinely accomplished as an aid in minimizing postoperative aspiration.