Variations in the locations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in relation to the ligament of Berry

Alana John, Denzil Etienne, Zachary Klaassen, Mohammadali M. Shoja, R. Shane Tubbs, Marios Loukas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is one of the most common iatrogenic complications of thyroid surgery. The anatomical course of the nerve also increases its susceptibility to injury and many variations have been documented in the literature. The topographical relationship of the RLN to the ligament of Berry has been extensively studied over the past decades. The consensus in the literature is divided with several authors reporting the nerve to be embedded within the ligament and others reporting a constant finding of the nerve being posterolateral to the ligament. A new operative concept has been recently introduced as a possible resolution for the conflicting reports among authors. Further investigations are needed, however, to assess its reliability and overall effects on clinical outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)947-951
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Surgeon
Volume78
Issue number9
StatePublished - Sep 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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