Abstract: To explore the methods of protection of recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery. Methods: From Febuary 2004 to January 2005, 36 cases accepted thyroid surgeries in our department. In the operation, their recurrent laryngeal nerves were better protected with the help of some dissection symbols. Results: After the operation, 21 cases were diagnosed as having thyroid gland adenoma, 5 nodular goiter, 3 subacute thyroiditis, 3 thyroid function hyperfunction, and 4 thyroid cancer. Of the 36 cases, 32 had no vocal cord illness complication, while the other 4 had hoarseness and recovered after 26 months. Conclusions: Based on some dissection symbols, the recurrent laryngeal nerve damage and some surgery complications are avoided. The dissection of recurrent laryngeal nerve must follow the principle of standardized operation. Recurrent laryngeal nerve can be dissected around the inferior thyroid artery first. If it is difficult to find, it can be dissected around the thyroid cartilage or the cervical vagus inside of carotid sheath.

Key words: Recurrent laryngeal nerve, Under thyroid gland artery , Thyroidectomy