Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective To investigate Zuckerkandl tubercle and its anatomical relationship with the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Methods〓102 consecutive thyroid surgeries were included in the prospective study. The presence of the ZT, its size, and relationship to the RLN were recorded. Results〓A total of 124 thyroid lobes were included in the study. ZT was identified in 62.9% of all thyroid lobes. The median size was 9.5 mm (range 3-40 mm). There is no difference in the probability that ZT was identified on the right (68.2%, 45/66) or the left side (56.7%, 33/58, P>0.05). When ZT was present, the RLN was found deep to the ZT in 97.4% of cases. Conclusion〓In our study, ZT was present in the majority of thyroid lobes. And ZT may be a real constant landmark pointing to the RLN. In order to find and protect RLN during thyroid surgery, a careful, bloodless, and meticulous dissection should be carried out around the Zuckerkandl tubercle.

Key words: Recurrent laryngeal nerve, Thyroidectomy, Zuckerkandl tubercle

摘要： 【摘要】〓目的〓了解Zuckerkandl结节在甲状腺腺叶的出现几率,确认它与喉返神经的解剖关系。方法〓通过102例连续的甲状腺手术患者的回顾性分析,观察甲状腺腺叶中Zuckerkandl结节的大小及其与喉返神经的关系。结果〓本组102例患者共行甲状腺腺叶切除术124侧,在78侧甲状腺叶(62.9%)中观察到有明显的Zuckerkandl结节存在,平均长径为9.5 mm。Zuckerkandl 结节主要出现在甲状腺叶背侧中1/3处(83.3%),而ZT出现在右侧甲状腺叶(68.2%,45/66)的几率与左侧甲状腺叶(56.7%,33/58)没有明显差别。当Zuckerkandl结节存在时,97.4%(76/78)的喉返神经走行在Zuckerkandl 结节的深面。结论〓Zuckerkandl 结节存在于大多数甲状腺叶中,Zuckerkandl结节与喉返神经有密切且恒定的解剖关系,可作为甲状腺手术中显露喉返神经的解剖标志之一;Zuckerkandl结节也是解剖显露喉返神经的一个难点,重视Zuckerkandl 结节这一解剖结构对避免喉返神经损伤有重要的作用。

关键词: Zuckerkandl结节, 甲状腺切除术, 喉返神经