Intraoperative Identification and Stimulation of the Ansa Cervicalis Nerve Plexus.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Quantify the anatomic variation of the ansa cervicalis and evaluate neurostimulation of the infrahyoid musculature.

Study design

Intraoperative physiology study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing lateral neck dissection including level IV for head and neck cancer were recruited. Ansa cervicalis plexus branches were documented during surgical dissection. In a subset of participants, an electrode was placed on branches of the common sternothyroid trunk innervating the sternothyroid and sternohyoid muscles. Hyolaryngeal excursion with neurostimulation was recorded.

Results

Measurements were collected from 39 of 50 participants. Reasons for intraoperative exclusion included significant radiation fibrosis (n = 4), n

SUBMITTER: Ma CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12860186 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature