The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Relation to the Inferior Thyroid Artery in Adult Filipino Cadavers

Authors

  • Jacob S. Matubis Department of Anatomy College of Medicine University of the Philippines Manila; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines Manila
  • Karen June P. Dumlao Department of Otorhinolaryngology Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines Manila
  • Ryner Jose C. Carrillo Department of Anatomy College of Medicine University of the Philippines Manila; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines Manila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32412/pjohns.v26i2.569

Keywords:

recurrent laryngeal nerve, inferior thyroid artery, Filipino cadavers, anatomical variations

Abstract

Objective: To describe the anatomic relationship of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery in adult cadavers in the Philippines and to compare the proportions of these anatomic relationships with those reported in the foreign literature.

Methods:

Study design: Descriptive, cross-sectional

Setting: University of the Philippines College of Medicine Anatomy Laboratory

Subjects: Fifty-four (54)  preserved cadavers (108 sides) dissected within a period from June 2008 to Aug 2010. The anatomy and position of both  the right and the left recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN) and inferior thyroid arteries (ITA) were noted. The RLN was further classified into 2 variations: non-branching or branching prior to insertion at the cricothyroid joint, under the inferior constrictor muscle.  The ITA was also classified into non-branching and branching.  The results were compared to two foreign studies using a Z-test for two proportions.

Results: Fifty four (54) cadavers (108) sides were dissected. Among the  cadavers, both the recurrent laryngeal nerves and inferior thyroid arteries had a maximum of two branches although both the RLNs and ITAs for both the right and left sides were mostly non-branching. The right side of one cadaver was noted to have both a branching RLN and a branching ITA. There were no non-recurrent laryngeal nerves seen among the 54 cadavers.

For both left and right sides, the RLN was mostly dorsal to the ITA. Branching RLNs was mostly dorsal to a non-branching ITAs. Most of the non-branching RLNs were dorsal to the ITAs. Non-branching RLNs were usually dorsal to the ITA.

 

            The local patterns of the course of the RLN in relation to the ITA approximates those of Chinese where there is predominance of the RLN dorsal to the ITA  but differs from those of Brazilians where the RLN is usually between ITA branches. 

 

Conclusion: There are multiple anatomical variations with regards to the relationship of the RLN and the ITA. The anatomic variation among Asians may be different from Brazilians. The surgeon’s knowledge of the possible various configurations of the RLN and ITA should be able to help in identification and preservation of the RLN and prevention of complications in thyroid surgery.

Keywords: recurrent laryngeal nerve, inferior thyroid  artery, thyroid surgery, Filipino cadavers, anatomical variations

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2011-12-03

How to Cite

1.
Matubis JS, Dumlao KJP, Carrillo RJC. The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Relation to the Inferior Thyroid Artery in Adult Filipino Cadavers. Philipp J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg [Internet]. 2011 Dec. 3 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];26(2):13-7. Available from: https://pjohns.pso-hns.org/index.php/pjohns/article/view/569

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.