[Identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve during minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy].

UNLABELLED The minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) without gas infusion is considered safe and has advantages in terms of cosmetic results compared to the conventional approach. AIM to present our findings regarding the identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during MIVAT. STUDY DESIGN Transversal cohort study. MATERIAL AND METHOD twelve patients underwent hemithyroidectomy for thyroid nodular disease through MIVAT method. The upper pedicle of the thyroid was dissected under the magnified view at 0-degree five-millimeter endoscope in order to achieve the identification of EBSLN in all cases. RESULTS We identified 10 (83.3%) EBSLN out of 12 cases. The nerve ran medially to the branches of the superior thyroid artery in 8 cases (80%) and crossed anteriorly in 2 (20%). CONCLUSIONS We identified the EBSLN in 83.3% of the cases, whose course was medial to the branches of the superior thyroid artery in 80% and crossing anteriorly in 20%. The ligation of the upper pedicle of the thyroid can be performed under direct view of the EBSLN.