Anterior Region (Robbins Level VI – Inferior Part)

Abstract

In this chapter we shall discuss above all the surgical anatomy of the thyroid. The essence of the exercise consists of removing the gland after having identified and followed the inferior laryngeal nerve (or recurrent nerve) with the intention of preserving it. The correct preparation of the area of operation and the precise knowledge of the landmarks must ensure that the finding of the nerve is not arrived at by chance.

The cervical trachea will then be examined and we shall make a few considerations on tracheotomies. The dissection of this region will conclude with the exploration of the large vessels at the base of the neck and of the cervical oesophagus.