[An anastomotic loop between the recurrent nerves--an anatomical description].

The authors present the results of twelve dissections of the neck carried out during autopsy on non-conserved human corpses. The investigation, centered on the anatomic study of the laryngeal nerve within the framework of the European Research Group on the Larynx (G.R.E.L.), revealed the presence of a connecting nervous anatomic branch between the recurrent laryngeal nerves which was observed in 10 of the 12 corpses examined. Despite a revision of national as well as international literature concerning ramifications and anastomosis of the recurrent laryngeal nerves, the authors were unable to find description of this anastomotic ansa. The anatomic reliefs related to this branch are extremely interesting, although research is still in its initial phase. This ramification is situated between the trachea and the oesophagus and the location of the branching-off point from the recurrent nerves as well as the crossing point of the nervous bundle with the oesophagus-tracheal axis vary greatly. The detachment of the ansa from the recurrent trunk is located at the intrathoracic level, while the crossing with the posterior paries of the trachea is located in proximity of the cervicomediastinal junction. The constant presence of this nervous entity encourages us to continue and extend our research, most of all towards microscopic and ultrastructural anatomy as well as towards histomorphometric studies which can give us precious indications. Moreover, electrophysiological studies are in program so as to enable us to gather the largest amount of useful data regarding any possible use of this anatomic entity.