External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve: Anatomy and Operating Hurts

Purpose: Our purpose was to describe the anatomy of the external branch of the upper laryngeal nerve and to estimate the frequency of nerves at risk during the total thyroidectomies sub. Methodology: We realized in the CHU Point G in Bamako a forward-looking study over a period going from September 1st, 2016 till December 31st, 2017. All the patients operated by thyroidectomies subtotals for mild goiters were included to whom a systematic location of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in the space avascular of Reeve was realized. Cancers and other thyroid pathologies were not included. Results: We counted and operated 120 cases of mild goiters. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was seen and dissected in 80.8%; it was not seen in 19.2%. According to the classification of Cernea: the type 2 was found in 80.8% of the cases with him under typical 2b in 47.5% and under type 2a in 40 (33.3%). The global frequency of lesion of the external branch of the upper laryngeal nerve was 10.8% at 9 patients among whom 6 who presented a BENLS of Type Ni. Conclusion: The external branch of the upper laryngeal nerve of type 2 presents a risk of wound because the surgeon treats the upper pedicle at the level of the critical centimeter place over the upper pole of the thyroid. The identification of the nerve during the thyroid surgery is the solution of choice.