title: [Identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve during minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy].
abstract: The minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) without gas infusion is considered safe and has advantages in terms of cosmetic results compared to the conventional approach.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  to present our findings regarding the identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during MIVAT.
  
  
  METHODS
  Transversal cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  twelve patients underwent hemithyroidectomy for thyroid nodular disease through MIVAT method. The upper pedicle of the thyroid was dissected under the magnified view at 0-degree five-millimeter endoscope in order to achieve the identification of EBSLN in all cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 10 (83.3%) EBSLN out of 12 cases. The nerve ran medially to the branches of the superior thyroid artery in 8 cases (80%) and crossed anteriorly in 2 (20%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We identified the EBSLN in 83.3% of the cases, whose course was medial to the branches of the superior thyroid artery in 80% and crossing anteriorly in 20%. The ligation of the upper pedicle of the thyroid can be performed under direct view of the EBSLN.
authors.affiliation: UNIFESP - Escola Paulista de Medicina. dedivitis.hns@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Rogério A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Dedivitis
authors.forename: André V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Guimarães
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007823:Laryngeal Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods*; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000379:methods*