Abstract
BACKGROUND: Communicating branches between the cervical sympathetic system and
the inferior laryngeal nerve (ILN) have been described. They usually originate
from the middle cervical sympathetic ganglion (MCSG). These branches
(sympathetic-inferior laryngeal anastomotic branch [SILAB]), usually thin,
sometimes have the same diameter as the ILN. In this study we prospectively
evaluated the frequency of this condition and its implications during surgical
neck exploration.
METHODS: From November 1998 to October 1999, 791 patients underwent surgical neck
exploration, and 1253 ILNs were dissected: 656 on the right side (52.3%) and 597
on the left side (47.7%).
RESULTS: On the right side, a nonrecurrent ILN was found in 3 cases (0.46%), and
a large SILAB was found in 10 cases (1.5%). The SILAB originated from the
superior cervical sympathetic ganglion in 2 cases and directly from the
sympathetic trunk above the MCSG in 8 cases. No anomalous branch was found on the
left side.
CONCLUSIONS: The SILAB may originate not only from the MCSG but also from the
superior cervical sympathetic ganglion or directly from the sympathetic trunk.
When the SILAB is as large as the ILN, it could be mistaken for a nonrecurrent
ILN. The awareness of this anatomic condition during neck dissection may help to
avoid injuries of the genuine ILN running in the usual pathway.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1082-1087 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Surgery |
Volume | 128 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2000 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Child
- Female
- Ganglia, Sympathetic
- Humans
- Laryngeal Nerves
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neck
- Prospective Studies
- Superior Cervical Ganglion