Anatomy of Ansa Cervicalis and Its Variations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The ansa cervicalis is usually used to re-innervate the larynx following recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in thyroid cancer, oesophageal cancer following lymphadenectomy. Variations have previously been reported on the formation and branching pattern of the ansa cervicalis loop. Objectives: The present study aimed to record anatomical variations of the formation of loop and branches of ansa cervicalis. The study was done in Anatomy depa METHODS: rtment, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam. 30 numbers (15 cadaver x 2) of ansa cervicalis were studied. A thorough morphological study was done and the results were recorded. RESULTS: Normal anatomy & variations, if any, of the ansa cervicalis were noted and discussed with previous studies. CONCLUSION: Surgical procedures such as thyroplasty, arytenoid adduction, nerve-muscle pedicle implantation had been reported to cause iatrogenic injuries to the ansa cervicalis. Knowledge of the arrangement of loops and branches of the ansa cervicalis will be helpful for planning a safe surgery in the neck region.