recurrent laryngeal nerve
Also written as: RLN — recurrent laryngeal nerve
Nerve supplying intrinsic laryngeal muscles that is at risk during thyroid and parathyroid surgery, requiring careful identification.
Full Definition
The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is a branch of the vagus nerve that provides motor innervation to most intrinsic muscles of the larynx, controlling vocal cord movement and voice production. The nerve follows a recurrent course, looping around the subclavian artery on the right and the aortic arch on the left before ascending in the tracheoesophageal groove. During thyroid and parathyroid surgery, the RLN is at significant risk of injury due to its intimate relationship with the thyroid gland. Injury can result in vocal cord paralysis, voice changes, and potential airway compromise if bilateral. Careful identification and preservation of the nerve is a fundamental principle of endocrine neck surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as RLN; specify laterality (left/right) when documenting operative findings.
In Context
- "The recurrent laryngeal nerve was carefully identified and preserved throughout the dissection." — operative report
- "Postoperative hoarseness may indicate recurrent laryngeal nerve injury requiring laryngoscopy." — postoperative care instruction