[Technique of thyroid gland operation: prevention of lesions of the superior laryngeal nerve].

Abstract

The anatomical variant of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is at risk during thyroid surgery. We recommend a careful dissection of the upper thyroid pole strictly avoiding even minor mass ligatures and all vascular structures have to be selectively identified. Of a consecutive series of 161 upper pole dissections the superior laryngeal nerve was found in 31% and no postoperative injury was detected by video stroboscopy.