title: Cricopharyngeal myotomy in a patient with situs inversus totalis.
abstract: Otolaryngologists must remain vigilant in understanding the complex anatomy of the head and neck and must always be cognizant of deviations from normal anatomy. This text discusses an interesting case that should remind surgeons of the variable course that the recurrent laryngeal nerve takes on either side of the neck and the special consideration that must be taken in performing surgery near the nerve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Spector
authors.forename: Samir V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Shah
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D008297:Male; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D010609:Pharyngeal Muscles / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D012857:Situs Inversus / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D013035:Spasm / Q000601:surgery