The Innervation of the Human Larynx

Editorial: “Ten Commandments” of Safe and Optimum Thyroid Surgery

“…The parathyroid glands in humans were not discovered until 1880 by Sandstrom, and the fact that hypocalcaemia was the definitive cause of tetany was not wholly accepted until several decades into the twentieth century. By 1920, advances in thyroid surgery had reached the point that Halsted referred to this operation as a "feat which today can be accomplished by any competent operator without danger of mishap" [1][2][3].…”

“…Like in any head and neck surgery, surgeons operating by a clock have no place in thyroid surgery. A meticulous and organized approach is mandatory [3][4][5].…”

“…It is known that the anatomy of neck is by and large fixed and the anomaly would essentially be in the mind of the surgeon. It amounts to cutting on the dotted line [1][2][3][4].…”

“…However, it is essential to take in to consideration various other aspects and especially in ladies with heavier breasts, it is advisable to make this incision a little higher so that the subsequent scar is not dragged down on to the anterior aspect of sternum, where it may form an ugly keloid ( Fig. 2 and 3) [2][3][4][5].…”

“…The strap muscles may need transection if the gland is large. The muscles should be cut as high as possible as the nerve supply to these muscles (ansa cervicalis) is in the lower third [1][2][3]. This short and wide vein may be absent in a minority of patients (10-15%).…”