Breast & Endocrine Surgery · NEET PG Preparation Surgery
During a total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter, the surgeon meticulously identifies the recurrent laryngeal nerve. At the lower pole of the thy…
Practice question from Breast & Endocrine Surgery (NEET PG Preparation Surgery), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
medium · MCQ · Q-510E22
During a total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter, the surgeon meticulously identifies the recurrent laryngeal nerve. At the lower pole of the thyroid gland, what is the most crucial anatomical relationship to keep in mind regarding the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery?
- A.The nerve always passes strictly anterior to the artery
- B.The nerve typically crosses anterior to, posterior to, or between the branches of the arteryCorrect answer
- C.The nerve is located at least 2 cm away from the artery
- D.The nerve runs superficial to the suspensory ligament of Berry
Solution
The relationship between the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the inferior thyroid artery is variable. The nerve can pass anteriorly, posteriorly, or directly between the branches of the artery on either side, though posterior passage is most common on the right. Recognizing this anatomical variability is vital to prevent nerve injury.
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