Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Reconstruction Using an Artificial Nerve Conduit

In cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion due to thyroid cancer, resection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is necessary. Immediate reconstruction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is often performed in such cases. Our hospital has also been proactive in performing immediate reconstruction (e.g., recurrent laryngeal nerve end-to-end anastomosis, and ansa cervicalis-recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis). On the other hand, reports from basic research using animals have shown that reconstruction using artificial nerve tubes is more useful for promoting nerve regeneration than existing methods. Furthermore, artificial nerve tubes are used in clinical practice in other fields and their safety is guaranteed. In this study, we encountered a case in which the recurrent laryngeal nerve was reconstructed using an artificial nerve after recurrent laryngeal nerve resection due to thyroid cancer. We present the results of our hospital and consider and report the possibility of recurrent laryngeal nerve regeneration in the future.