Routine Identification of the External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve

👉The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) has been labelled ‘the neglected nerve’ of thyroid surgery.

👉Most surgeons have simply attempted to avoid this nerve on the assumption that so doing will prevent injury; however, it is now recognized that injury is relatively common and associated with the potential for significant impairment, espe- cially for those who use their voices professionally.

👉I was taught to always attempt to identify the nerve and recommend doing so.

👉Recently Aina and Hisham have shown that the nerve can be routinely identified in over 90% of cases, a level that sets a new benchmark for head and neck surgeons / endocrine surgeons.

👉The key to identifying the nerve is to develop the avascular plane between the cricothyroid muscle and the medial border of the upper pole of the thyroid lobe, a manoeuvre facilitated by lateral retraction of the lobe.

👉Awareness of the various positions of the EBSLN according to the Cernea classification is also essential if the nerve is to be both identified and preserved.

👉Type 1 EBSLN are located well clear of the thyroid, more than 1 cm above the upper pole of the lobe passing directly into the cricothyroid muscle.

👉Type 2a nerves pass in the vicinity of the superior thyroid vessels as they enter the gland substance.

👉Type 2b nerves cross over the anterior surface of the thyroid lobe.

👉Awareness of the anatomic variations, such as the nerve of Galen, a direct communication between the RLN and EBSLN, is important in avoiding injury to the nerve.

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