Complication and conversion outcomes in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA): a retrospective multicenter propensity score-matched cohort study.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a scarless thyroid surgery used as an alternative to open conventional surgery. Our aim was to investigate possible risk factors for complications and conversion during TOETVA. The study was conducted internationally by centres from Turkiye, the Republic of Korea, Italy, and Peru. A total of 406 patients who underwent TOETVA and were ≥ 18 years of age were included in the study. Demographic, pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were collected and compared between the groups with/without complication/conversion to identify possible predictors of complication/conversion. Subsequently, patients with complication/conversion were matched by the hospital, age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification score using a propensity score (PSM) of 1:3 to eliminate confounding differences. Results were reported for the un-matched and matched groups. Complications occurred in 11 (2.7%) patients. High body mass index (26.4 ± 3.4 vs. 23.3 ± 3.7, p = 0.007), larger tumor size (1.7 ± 1.3 cm. vs. 1.1 ± 1.0 cm, p = 0.012), larger thyroid volume (20.0 ± 9.2 vs. 12.8 ± 8.5, p = 0.007) and long operation time (127.8 ± 45.0 min. vs. 97.7 ± 38.5 min., p = 0.008) were significantly associated with complications in un-matched analyses. Older age (42.7 ± 8.0 vs. 34.9 ± 9.2, p = 0.023), high BMI (26.7 ± 3.2 vs. 23.3 ± 3.7, p = 0.012), and longer operation time (160.1 ± 54.1 min. vs. 97.4 ± 37.8, p = 0.001) were significantly related to conversion in un-matched analyses. However, significance was lost after PSM for both complication and conversion. The data from this study conducted on TOETVA cases do not suggest a risk factor for complications and conversion with PSM.

Evaluation of public's perception of scar cosmesis after thyroidectomy: results of a survey of Turkish versus South Korean individuals.

Purpose: Visible scars on the neck caused by thyroid surgery give rise to significant aesthetic, functional, and psychosocial problems. The objective of this study is to comparatively investigate the public perception of neck scar cosmesis in Turkish and South Korean populations. Methods: This survey was prepared to collect participants' demographic and socioeconomic data and determine their perception of scar cosmesis on the neck and consisted of 15 questions. One thousand thirty-nine individuals who did not undergo thyroid surgery completed the survey. The P-values of <0.05 were deemed to indicate statistical significance. Results: There were 1,039 respondents, of whom 525 (50.5%) were Turkish and 514 (49.5%) were South Korean. South Korean respondents stated that they would be significantly more uncomfortable with the thought of having a scar due to thyroid surgery, compared to the Turkish respondents (P < 0.001). The South Korean respondents stated that they would be significantly more concerned about the scar's length, thickness, and darkening color, compared to the Turkish respondents (P < 0.001 for all cases). Conclusion: Patients' expectations, which are affected by various sociodemographic factors and cultural characteristics, are as important as the medical condition when deciding on the type of thyroid surgery. The study findings clearly indicated that the South Korean population would be significantly more uncomfortable with having a scar on the neck, compared to the Turkish population. Therefore, in selected cases, a scarless thyroidectomy approach, such as transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy, vestibular approach may be preferable for societies like South Korea.

A Feasible Technique for Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Through Vestibular Access Using a Single-port Technique: A Video Vignette in Cadaver Dissection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a single-port system for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with vestibular access (TOETVA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two embalmed human cadavers were used to test the single-port technique. After positioning, a median vestibular incision was made. Adipose tissue was dissected through the mentum with a Kelly clamp to reach the subplatysmal level. The Keyport Single Port System (Richard Wolf) was then inserted. After port placement, flexible endoscopic dissectors and a 5-mm endoscope were advanced. After removing the dissectors, we inserted the ArtiSential laparoscopic instruments. We also used a 3-port TOETVA on another human cadaver to compare the results with those of the single-port surgery. RESULTS: In the first cadaver, skin tension was observed during trocar insertion and dissection. Trocar insertion resulted in skin perforation in the submental area. In the second cadaver, the single-port trocar was successfully inserted despite the significant skin tension. However, the trocar did not allow the necessary surgical maneuvers to proceed with subsequent surgical steps and create a working space. Postprocedural anatomic dissection revealed that the distal branches of the mental nerve were related to the trocar passage. CONCLUSIONS: Our cadaver study demonstrated that single-port TOETVA is unsafe and not feasible with the current technology of the Keyport single-port system. This approach needs to be improved to perform this technique without injury to distal branches of the mental nerve, skin perforation, and other complications.

Video gaming improves robotic surgery simulator success: a multi-clinic study on robotic skills.

We aimed to investigate the effects of video game habits, duration of experience, and training in different surgical clinics on the success of robotic surgery simulators. In this prospective, observational, comparative, and multi-clinical study, all participants played Temple Run and Piano Tiles 2™ mobile games for 1 month, after answering a questionnaire including their sociodemographic characteristics, surgical experience, and past and current video game experience. At the end of the period, participants experienced four different robotic surgery simulator tasks (Camera Targeting 1, Energy Switching 1, Ring and Rail 2, Vertical Defect Suturing) in da Vinci® Skills Simulator™. Additionally, sociodemographic data were statistically analyzed with mobile game scores and 13 different performance scores obtained from the simulator. All robotic surgery simulator skill applications were carried out at Ege University Hospital in Izmir. All surgical residents in the general surgery, urology, and pediatric surgery clinics were included in the study. Sixty of the sixty-four participants in total completed all the processes. Four participants were excluded from the study. When clinical performances were compared, it was seen that the general surgery clinic performed better than other clinics in two parameters (overall score, time to complete) of the 'Camera Targeting' task (p = 0.01 and p = 0.006). Participants with mobile phone games experience were successful in the 'Energy Switching' task with less misapplied energy time (p = 0.039). Participants with high scores in Piano Tiles 2™ were more successful in the 'Energy Switching' task and completed the 'Ring Rail' task with fewer movements (p < 0.05). Participants with more surgical and laparoscopic surgery experience scored higher in the 'Camera Targeting' and 'Energy Switching' tasks and completed the assignments with less movement. Again, these participants completed the 'Vertical Defect Suturing' task faster and the 'Ring Rail' task with less movement. In addition, participants with more laparoscopy experience scored higher in the 'Ring Rail' task (p < 0.05). In this study, we showed the effect of recent gaming experience on robotic surgery abilities along with previous video game experience. For surgeons and surgeon candidates in robotic surgery training, the importance of video game-based learning techniques will increase when combined with rapidly developing simulation technologies.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05510960.

Have General Surgery Practices Decreased During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Background As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started, some restrictions were imposed throughout the country. The pandemic caused disruption, reduction, and even a halt in health services worldwide. During this period, the number of procedures performed in surgical clinics decreased due to the interruption of services and the restriction in patient admissions. Methodology In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on the number of surgeries performed in our clinic during the pre- and post-pandemic period by evaluating the following elective surgeries conducted between September 2018 and September 2021: upper gastrointestinal system, abdominal wall hernia, gallbladder surgeries, and kidney transplantation. Results A significant decrease was observed in the number of operations before and after the pandemic in our clinic. Conclusions In our opinion, both the Ministry of Health and healthcare institutions should increase the necessary precautions, organize the planning and programming in hospitals, and increase efforts in protecting healthcare workers and patients by increasing surgical practices and ensuring that the healthcare services we provide reach the numbers noted during the pre-pandemic period.

Composite pheochromocytoma with spindle cell sarcoma - a rare tumor of the adrenal gland: case report.

Composite pheochromocytomas with a non-pheochromocytoma component stemming from an embryological origin other than the neural crest comprise a unique entity. We present a patient diagnosed with a composite pheochromocytoma with spindle cell sarcoma, which is, to our knowledge, the first case reported in the current literature. A 45-year-old female patient with elevated blood pressure had undergone adrenalectomy for clinically and radiologically diagnosed pheochromocytoma. Macroscopic examination of the specimen showed an encapsulated mass containing two nodules. One tumor was composed of large polygonal neoplastic cells with round vesicular nuclei and granular cytoplasm forming the characteristic Zellballen pattern consistent with pheochromocytoma, while the other was composed of spindle cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and prominent nucleoli, thus resembling a sarcoma. The patient was discharged on the fourth post-operative day without any complications. Even though for both tumors surgical resection is the main treatment modality, our case report aims to shed light on and discuss the etiology and management of a rarely presented composite pheochromocytoma and spindle cell sarcoma.

Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA) for primary hyperparathyroidism: Turkey's experience.

AIM: Parathyroid surgery has witnessed a significant evolution with the introduction of more efficacious preoperative localization imaging techniques and the use of rapid intraoperative parathormone assays. Parathyroid surgery can now be performed with the minimum of invasion. Through the adaptation of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA), the technique has now been adopted for parathyroid surgery, known as the transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA). We present here the initial experiences of 11 centers carrying out TOEPVA surgery in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participating in the study were 11 centers, all of which were tertiary care institutions carrying out endocrine surgery. A retrospective review was made of 35 primary hyperparathyroidism patients who underwent the TOEPVA procedure between July 2017 and January 2020. RESULTS: Of the total 35 patients, 32 patients underwent the TOEPVA procedure successfully. All patients but one were female, and the mean age was 47.2 (20-73) years. According to localization studies, 18 of the lesions were lower left, 12 were lower right, 3 were upper right and 2 were upper left. The mean operative time was 116 (30-225) min, and three cases were converted to an open procedure. Simultaneous thyroidectomy was performed in seven cases. The average PTH level dropped to normal within 20 min. after the resection in all cases. The complication rate was 19% (ecchymosis, subcutaneous emphysema, nasal bleeding, surgical site infection and seroma). There were neither recurrent nerve palsies, nor mental nerve root or branch injuries. The average hospital stay was 1 day. No persistence was documented on follow up. CONCLUSION: TOEPVA is a "hidden scar" parathyroidectomy procedure that can be safely performed on parathyroid adenomas, in cases that have scar-related concerns. Having its own procedure-related complications, the procedure provides satisfactory objective results, particularly in centers experienced in endoscopic and endocrine surgery.

Patient Eligibility for Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach in an Endemic Region.

OBJECTIVE: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a scarless method that enables thyroidectomyusing natural orifice of the body. The opinion which is even common among TOETVA performing surgeons is that this surgery involves a small percentage of thyroidectomy applied patients. In this study, based on the currently accepted exclusion criteria, we aimed to determine what percentage of patients, who underwent thyroidectomy in an endemic area are actually suitable for TOETVA. METHODS: Between January 2017 and December 2019, 1197 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for thyroid pathology in our clinic were analyzed retrospectively. Pre-operative evaluations were made according to the current exclusion criteria and as a result, patients with no previous neck surgery, no history of radiotherapy, no retrosternal thyroid extension, and none lymph node dissection operation been made and whose thyroid gland diameter is <10 cm and gland volume is not more than 45 ml, malignant nodule diameter is <2 cm, and benign nodule diameter is <4 cm are involved to this study by being considered appropriate for TOETVA procedure. RESULTS: According to the criteria, 513 patients (42.8%) were found suitable for TOETVA. A total of 421 (82%) of these patients were female and 92 (18%) were male. The mean age was 46.2±13.2. A total of 192 (37%) of these patients were operated due to the benign reasons, and 321 (63%) of these patients operated due to the malignancy or suspicion of malignancy. Average nodule size was 1.9 cm, and the average thyroid volume was 23.8 ml among benign patients. Whereas among malignant patients, the average nodule size was 1.7 cm and the average thyroid volume was 21.8 ml. A total of 462 (90.1%) of the patients were applied to the total thyroidectomy and 51 (9.9%) of the patients were applied to the hemithyroidectomy. In the same period, 29 patients operated through TOETVA and 4 patients operated through bilateral axillary breast approach thyroidectomy. When the final pathology, results of the patients were examined, papillary thyroid carcinoma was seen in 301 (58.7%) patients, benign pathologies were seen in 192 (37.4%) patients, and 20 (3.9%) patients were diagnosed with other pathologies (follicular thyroid carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma and Hürthle cell neoplasia, etc.). CONCLUSION: Although "patient willingness" factor could not be included in the study, TOETVA eligible patient repository is wider contrary to popular belief. In our humble opinion, TOETVA method is going to pursue its spread and become a part of the routine surgical training session due to its effectiveness in terms of credibility in today's world where cosmetic concerns gradually gain prominence.

Comparison of Monopolar and Bipolar Stimulator Probes for Intraoperative Nerve Mapping During Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: During intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery, two different kinds of stimulator probes, monopolar and bipolar, are commonly used to stimulate the laryngeal nerves. We explore the unique characteristics of both of these probes as they relate to intraoperative laryngeal nerve mapping. METHODS: Twenty-one patients undergoing neuromonitored thyroidectomy by a single surgeon were enrolled. Electromyography (EMG) amplitude and latency measurements were prospectively recorded concurrently from 1 mA stimulation of vagus nerve (VN) and inferior/superior recurrent laryngeal nerve before (with and without fascia) and after thyroid resection using bipolar and monopolar stimulator probes. RESULTS: Significantly higher amplitudes were obtained with monopolar stimulator probes as compared to bipolar probes, in several stimulation scenarios such as at right VN pre-resection (carotid sheath intact), right VN pre-resection (carotid sheath dissected), right VN post-resection and left VN (carotid sheath dissected). No significant differences were found between amplitudes and latency values in all other stimulation scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, both probes are reliable and safe for neural mapping. The kind of probe used during neural monitoring is based on surgical situations and surgeon preference. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 (According to Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence) Laryngoscope, 131:E2718-E2726, 2021.

The use of thyroid cartilage needle electrodes in intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroidectomy: Case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly used recording-side method in intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) detects the stimulus with the endotracheal tube surface (ETS) electrodes placed in the endotracheal tube during thyroidectomy. The thyroid cartilage needle (TCN) electrode method is an alternative recording-side system in IONM. This study compared two recording-side techniques in IONM. METHODS: Data were retrospectively analyzed from 885 patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2012 and December 2020, with 110 ETS and 775 TCN electrodes. Patients' demographics, diagnosis, surgery type, and amplitudes of all stimulation steps were compared. Costs per patient were calculated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the demographic data between the two groups. All amplitudes were higher in the IONM system where TCN electrodes were used than that with ETS electrodes (all stimulation steps p < 0.001, except left-V2 p = 0.007). Further, TCN electrodes were 20 times cheaper than the ETS electrodes. CONCLUSION: TCN electrodes are an inexpensive and efficient alternative to ETS electrodes in IONM.

Prognostic factors in acute mesenteric ischemia and evaluation with multiple logistic regression analysis effecting morbidity and mortality.

<b>Background:</b> Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a catastrophic abdominal emergency characterized by sudden critical interruption to the intestinal blood flow which commonly leads to bowel infarction and death. AMI still has a poor prognosis with an in-hospital mortality rate of 50-69 %. This high mortality rate is related to the delay in diagnosis which is often diffucult and overlooked. Early intervention is crucial and the potential for intestinal viability. <br><b>Methods:</b> The charts of 140 patients who were hospitalazed with AMI between May 1997 and August 2013 in Ege University Faculty of Medicine, department of general surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Demographical and clinical features of patients determining the best predictors which effect on morbidity and mortality were evaluated by Multiple Logistic Regression analysis by Enter method after adjustment for all possible confounding factors. <br><b>Results:</b> After Multiple LR analysis by Enter method after adjustment for all possible confounding factors affecting morbidity; shock, exploration and stay in hospital were statistically significant. Age, cardiac comorbidities, ASA scores, the time delay between onset of acute abdominal pain to surgery, the presence of acidosis and shock, the involved organs (small bowel and both), type of surgery and medical treatment and small bowel length under 100 cm were statistically significant on mortality. <br><b>Conclusion:</b> Risk factors related to mortality and morbidity have been poorly analyzed due to lack of prospective studies and smaller number of patients. Early diagnosis generally depends on clinical awareness and suspicion. Age and time of delay between onset of acute abdominal pain to surgery longer than 24 hours are the most important parameters that predict the mortality for patients presenting with shock and acidosis.

Routine calcitonin measurement in nodular thyroid disease management: is it worthwhile?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of routine calcitonin measurement in patients with nodular thyroid disease. METHODS: Consecutive patients with nodular thyroid disease (n = 640) were studied. Serum calcitonin levels were measured under basal conditions, and when basal values were between 10-100 pg/mL, testing was repeated after pentagastrin (PG) stimulation. Patients with previously diagnosed or familial medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) were excluded. Patients were operated on when basal or stimulated calcitonin >100 pg/mL or when other surgical indications were present. RESULTS: Four cases of MTC were identified. MTC was diagnosed in 75% of patients with basal calcitonin >100 pg/mL. One out of 11 patients with basal calcitonin between 10-100 pg/mL was diagnosed with MTC. PG stimulation resulted in elevation in 4 cases, where 1 case was diagnosed with MTC. Positive predictive value for basal calcitonin levels in the preoperative diagnosis of MTC was 5% for values between 10-100 pg/mL and 100% for values >100 pg/mL. Possible reasons for false positivity were papillary thyroid cancer in 17%, renal insufficiency in 8.3%, Hashimoto thyroiditis in 17% and ß-blocker use in 33%. Positive predictive value for the PG test (>100 pg/mL) was 25% in the entire series. The cost of adding calcitonin measurement (±PG stimulation) to the preoperative work-up, resulted in €912.68 per MTC patient to detect the disease. CONCLUSION: Basal calcitonin measurement together with PG stimulation in cases of basal calcitonin >10 pg/mL detects MTC in 0.62% of patients with nodular thyroid disease.

Necrotizing Fasciitis in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, progressive, and life-threatening hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis and a prothrombotic state. Patients with PNH might have slightly increased risk of infections due to complement-associated defects subsequent to CD59 deficiency. Here, we report a rare case of a 65-year-old male patient with necrotic ulcers on both legs, where the recognition of pancytopenia and microthrombi led to the diagnosis of PNH based on FLAER (FLuorescent AERolysin) flow cytometric analysis. He was subsequently started on eculizumab therapy, with starting and maintenance doses set as per drug labelling. Progression of the patient's leg ulcers during follow-up, with fulminant tissue destruction, purulent discharge, and necrotic patches, led to a later diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia infection. Courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgical debridement, and superficial skin grafting were applied with successful effect during ongoing eculizumab therapy. This case highlights the point that it is important to maintain treatment of underlying disorders such as PNH in the presence of life-threatening infections like NF.

How informed are endocrine surgery patients about the risks of surgery after approving an informed consent?

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to evaluate if patients reach the level of competence that enables them to make the best decision for themselves with oral and written informed consent process that is legally valid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 62 patients who applied to Ege University Hospital Department of General Surgery Endocrine Surgery Clinics and in whom oral and written informed consent was obtained by a surgeon. Patients who were willing to participate in the study were asked to fill in a questionnaire containing questions regarding the concept of consent. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of patients were female and 29% were male, with a mean age of 50.4±17.9 years. Six percent of patients were illiterate, 51.6% had primary education and 16.1% were college graduates. One in every two patients stated that they have never heard of informed consent concept before, 16% stated that they signed the consent without reading it. Among these patients, 88% reported that they trusted the physician and did not bother reading because they have already been verbally informed. Verbal briefing by the doctor was detected as 92%. Similarly, 91% of the patients reported that the time allocated to read and fill-in the form was enough. CONCLUSION: Informing is not composed simply of conveying information, but also to elevate patients to a proficiency level where they could decide with their best interest. It is thought that the results obtained in this study might guide studies to improve the quality of information in patients undergoing surgery.