Original Article
Clinical significance of recognizing Zuckerkandl tubercle during thyroid surgery
An Qin, Xiao Liu, Chunqiang Chu, Guanglin Zhang
Published 2016-06-05
Cite as Chin J Postgrad Med, 2016, 39(6): 518-520. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1673-4904.2016.06.012
Abstract
ObjectiveTo study the clinical significance of recognizing Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) during thyroid surgery.
MethodsOne hundred and sixty-one patients (218 sides) having underwent thyroid lobectomy or thyroidectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of ZT, the position and size of ZT, and the relationship between ZT and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), superior parathyroid (SP) were observed.
ResultsIn 218 sides, 179 sides (82.1%) found ZT, with right side in 93 cases and left side in 86 cases. The main relationship between ZT and RLN was A type, accounting for 90.5% (162/179). There were no statistical differences in ZT grade and the relationship type between ZT and RLN between left side and right side (P >0.05). There was negative correlation in ZT grade and the relationship type between ZT and RLN (r = -0.269, P <0.01). In right side, 92.3% (72/78) of SP located on the top of ZT at 10 -11 o'clock position; in left side, 94.6% (70/74) of SP located on the top of ZT at 1 -2 o'clock position.
ConclusionsZT is an important anatomical mark in the thyroid surgery, which helps to identify and protect the RLN and SP, so as to reduce surgical complications.
Key words:
Thyroidectomy; Recurrent laryngeal nerve; Parathyroid glands; Retrospective studies; Zuckerkandl tubercle
Contributor Information
An Qin
Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Wuxi 214023, China
Xiao Liu
Chunqiang Chu
Guanglin Zhang