A prospective study: Zuckerkandl tubercle an important anatomical landmark in identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery

Abstract

Introduction: The Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) is an anatomic landmark that can be used for the identification of the RLN intra-operatively. A prospective study was carried out on patients who underwent thyroidectomies, from September 2016. All cases were admitted from Surgery and ENT Outpatient department. The cases were studied according to proforma. Written informed consent was taken Conclusion: Zuckerkandl's tubercle which is defined as posterior exterior of lateral lobes of the thyroid gland is a common anatomical structure found in the majority of cases. Excision of the tubercle requires fine and meticulous dissection with great case because of close relationship between ZT and RLN. Identification of ZT, an understanding of the relationship between the ZT and RLN and isolation of the nerve before dissection of ZT are essential for performing safe thyroid surgery.