The recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery--anatomical variations during surgery.

Background And Aims: Recognition of variations of the inferior laryngeal nerve is essential. We aimed to investigate the relationship of the inferior laryngeal nerve with the inferior thyroid artery.

Materials And Methods: A study was undertaken between August 2005 and August 2006. A total of 253 adult patients undergoing thyroid surgery were included in this prospective, non-randomized study. Both sides of the thyroid gland were considered separately.

Results: Sixteen variations of the nerve were clarified. In the most observed variation, the nerve was deep to the artery. Two and three nervous branches were seen in 22.5% and 1.6% of the patients, respectively. Bifurcation of the nerve was mostly observed on the left side. No non-recurrent laryngeal nerve was found.

Conclusion: To avoid the risk of nerve damage during thyroid surgery, a good knowledge of the variations of the inferior laryngeal nerve is essential. This is important to achieve an undisturbed quality of life for the thyroid patient.