Importance of recognition of external branch of SLN in thyroid surgeries

Introduction and Objective: The superior laryngeal nerve is one of the most commonly encountered nerves during thyroidectomy and can be a real challenge to the operating surgeon owing to its location. The SLN has been accredited with a much a smaller amount of importance in the clinical scenario as compared to the RLN. In this study we aimed to compare the post operative complications in those cases in whom all 4 were identified versus those in whom only RLN was recognized and conserved bilaterally.

Keywords: Thyroidectomy, SLN, External branch, Motor innervations, Phonation.