Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery: Frequency, anatomical variations according to a new classification and surgery consideration

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare embryologically derived variant of the RLN. We aimed to identify the proportion of NRLN (during thyroidectomy), classify clinical NRLN types, and recommend some surgical considerations. METHOD: In this prospective study, from May 2017 to September 2018, our hospital carried out 2158 thyroid operations. We reported the NRLN rate and distinguished NRLN into four types. RESULTS: Overall, NRLN had an incidence rate of 0.74% (16 out of 2158 total thyroid surgeries). We did not detect any patient with left-sided NRLN. The traveling patterns of the nerves could be classified as descending (12.5%), vertical (25%), ascending (37.5%), or V-shaped (25%). CONCLUSION: The NRLN is a rare variation of the RLN. From our experience, we recommend the guidelines will help surgeons to avoid NRLN injury.