study of topographic patterns of the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve [EBSLN] in conventional neck surgery: cadaveric and surgical dissection

ABSTRACT

Based on a cadaveric and surgical dissection of 38 superior thyroid poles [19 fresh cadavers] and 20 superior thyroid poles [15 patients for thyroidectomy and total thyroid lobectomy], a topographic categorization of external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve [EBSLN] was planned considering the hazard during thyroidectomy. This study correlated between the cadavers and the surgical dissection and presented a simple and easy classification to the relation of the EBSLN and superior thyroid artery with the upper pole of the thyroid lobe and also compared between them. Only one patient had a sign of the EBSLN injury postoperatively, probably caused by dissection or during ligation of superior thyroid pedicle in high risk dissection area behind the thyroid pole. The topographic description pattern of variable course of the EBSLN may help to decrease the risk of iatrogenic lesion of this imperative nerve