Why is the left recurrent laryngeal nerve more vulnerable to damage?

Why is the left recurrent laryngeal nerve more vulnerable to damage?

Relationship of the recurrent nerve to the inferior thyroid artery. The nerve often passes anterior, posterior, or through the branches of the inferior thyroid artery. Medial traction of the thyroid lobe often lifts the nerve anteriorly, thereby making it more vulnerable.

Where does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve arise?

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve arises from the vagus to the left of the arch of the aorta. It curves inferior to the aortic arch and ascends in the groove between the trachea and the esophagus.

What does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve recur around?

The recurrent laryngeal nerves originate from the vagus nerves (Fig. 4.8). The right nerve recurs posteriorly around the right subclavian artery, while the left nerve recurs around the aortic arch.

What is a non recurrent laryngeal nerve?

A nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare anatomical variation in which the nerve enters the larynx directly from the cervical vagus nerve, without descending to the thoracic level [2]. It has been reported in 0.3-0.8% of the population on the right side, being extremely rare on the left side (0.004%) [3].

Why do you lose your voice after thyroidectomy?

Temporary hoarseness, voice tiring, and weakness can occur when one or more of the nerves are irritated during the operation or because of inflammation that occurs after the surgery. This usually gets better within a few weeks, but can take up to 6 months to resolve.

What is RLN palsy?

Specialty. Otorhinolaryngology. Vocal cord paresis, also known as recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis or vocal fold paralysis, is an injury to one or both recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs), which control all muscles of the larynx except for the cricothyroid muscle.

What causes recurrent laryngeal nerve?

Function. The recurrent laryngeal nerves control all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except for the cricothyroid muscle. These muscles act to open, close, and adjust the tension of the vocal cords, and include the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles, the only muscle to open the vocal cords.

What happens when after thyroidectomy there is damage to the external laryngeal nerve?

Iatrogenic injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (ESLN) may occur during thyroidectomy because of its close proximity to the upper pole of the thyroid gland. Injury to the ESLN results in postoperative voice changes, which may be severe, especially in professional voice users.

Conclusion: Non recurrent laryngeal nerve is a rare anatomical variation, occurring more frequently on the right side. Surgeon during surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands should be aware of its existence to avoid damage. MeSH terms Adult

What is the RLN and nrln nerve?

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) innervates all the important laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid. Careful dissection of the RLN during surgery reduces the risk of damage. The non-RLN (NRLN) is a rare anatomical anomaly of the RLN, with an incidence of 0.5 to 0.7% in thyroid surgery (1).

What nerve innervates the larynx?

It provides innervations to all the important intrinsic muscles of the larynx, with the exception of the cricothyroid which is supplied by the external laryngeal nerve (2).

What is the non RLN anomaly?

The non-RLN (NRLN) is a rare anatomical anomaly of the RLN, with an incidence of 0.5 to 0.7% in thyroid surgery (1). It is difficult to identify this anomaly preoperatively unless an associated vascular anomaly is suspected.

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