[Identification techniques of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in endoscopic thyroidectomy].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the application of identification techniques of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in endothyroidectomies.


METHODS
Routine identification of the RLN was performed in a series of 20 consecutive endothyroidectomies, and the clinical data were reviewed.


RESULTS
Totally 20 RLNs were dissected. Neither transient nor permanent RLN injury occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
To expose RLN, both sharp and blunt dissection should be applied skillfully. Thorough liberation of the thyroid lobe is essential for the identification of RLN. It is safe and feasible to remove the thyroid and identify the RLN simultaneously.
Chang
Shi
S
Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Zhou
Ledu
L
Li
Jindong
J
Huang
Yun
Y
Zeng
Qingjun
Q
He
Feng
F
Wang
Zhiming
Z
D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; D061226:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000517:prevention & control