Nerve Branch Diameter as an Indicator of Motor Function in Extralaryngeal Branches of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Thyroidectomy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is a critical aspect of thyroidectomy, as its injury can significantly impair voice function. However, surgeons frequently encounter branched RLNs, which occur in 10.1%-42.9% of cases. This anatomical variation can be particularly challenging for novice surgeons, as identifying and preserving the motor branch requires precision.

Methods

Of 239 patients who received bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic total thyroidectomy from December 2023 to January 2025, patients with extralaryngeal RLN branch were retrospectively evaluated using video recordings. The function of RLN branches was determined using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). Branch diameter and branching distance to the laryngeal entry point (LEP) were

SUBMITTER: Lee JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12639473 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature