title: [To explore the method of exposure of recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid second operation].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the safe approach to exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in thyroid second operation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data of 153 patients with thyroid second operation were analyzed retrospectively to compare the effectiveness of superior and inferior approach in the exposure of RLN.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 177 RLNs were exposed in 153 cases. Among those 39 RLNs were exposed by superior approach, 34 by inferior approach after failure of superior approach, and 104 by inferior approach.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In thyroid second operation, inferior approach is a safe and efficient method to expose RLN. Trachea and esophagus are the most important anatomical landmarks to look for the left RLN. Innominate artery and common carotid artery are the most important anatomical landmarks to look for right RLN.
authors.forename: Xiaoxia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xiaobao
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Honghui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yanxia
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Shaoqiang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Shen
mesh_terms: D017536:Carotid Artery, Common; D004947:Esophagus; D006801:Humans; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D014132:Trachea