In this retrospective study the functional results of microsurgical repair of iatrogenic recurrent nerve lesions (10 patients) faced during years 1983 through 1995 have been analysed. Different parameters were considered (thyroid disease, previous thyroid surgery, microsurgical reconstruction technique, time between surgical damage and microsurgery). Furthermore, a thorough review has been made on the medical literature on subjects such as surgical anatomy of the cervical region, microsurgical nerve repair techniques, and clinical results of microsurgery in different authors experiences.