Abstract
Objective: To explore the value of dissecting the recurrent 1aryngeal nerve (RLN) in thyroid surgery to prevent RLN from injury.
Method: Retrospective study from 2005 to 2011. Disease studied: thyroid tumors. Setting: Xin Hua hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was exposed in thyroid surgery. Outcome measurements: Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury rate. Preliminary snalyses: Chi-square analysis.
Results: There were 12 cases of RLN injuries in the RLN anatomy group (the RLN injury rate was 2.2%) and 512 cases of RLN injuries in the non-RLN anatomy group (10.7% injury rate). The difference of RLN injury between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P < .01).
Conclusion: Exposure of RLN in the thyroid surgery is an effective step to prevent the nerve from injury.
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