Surgical approaches to the recurrent laryngeal nerve

Abstract

During thyroid and parathyroid surgery, avoiding injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is critical. Several general principles should be adhered to when performing these surgeries in order to protect the nerve. Visual identification and dissection of the RLN is now the standard technique for its preservation during thyroid surgery. Based on the pathology and indication for surgery, the optimal approach to the RLN, lateral, superior or inferior, should be utilized.