Objective To explore the value of dissecting the recurrent 1aryngeal nerve (RLN) in thyroid surgery to prevent RLN from injury. Methods Clinical data of 5344 cases of thyroidectomy under general anesthesia was analyzed retrospectively. Among these cases, 548 underwent dissection of the RLN (RLN dissecting group), and 4796 did not (nonRLN dissecting group). The difference of the RLN injury rates between the two groups was analyzed. Results RLN injury occurred in 12 cases of the RLN dissecting group (RLN injury rate =2.2%) and in 512 cases of the nonRLN dissecting group (injury rate=10.7%). The difference of RLN injury rates between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion Dissecting RLN in the thyroid surgery is an effective step to prevent the nerve from injury.