Objective:To explore the experience of anatomizing the nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve and how to discern and prevent the injury of this nerve in thyroid surgery. Methods:The clinical data of 3637 cases of thyroid tumor admitted from January 2004 to December 2006 in the Department of Thyroid &Neck Tumor of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital were analyzed retrospectively in exposing the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Results:Among all the cases,2875 cases were performed recurrent laryngeal nerve exposure.Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve in the rightlateral neck was found in 7 cases and the incidence was 0.24%. Conclusion:The clinical incidence of nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve is low, but it should be paid more attention by surgeons.The nonrecurrent laryngeal nerves are always found in the rightlateral neck.