Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy submental vestibular approach for early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy submental vestibular approach (TOETSMVA) versus the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) or conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) in patients with early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: We searched online databases up to January 2024. The outcomes were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and inverse variance. RESULTS: Seven studies (two RCTs and five retrospective cohort studies) were included. We established higher significance differences for TOETSMVA in comparison with TOETVA in terms of all primary outcomes; operation time, hospital stay, number of resected lymph nodes [MD -21.05, 95% CI= -30.98, -11.12; p < 0.0001], [MD -1.76, 95% CI= -2.21, -1.32, p < 0.00001], [MD -2.99, 95% CI= -19.75, 13.76, p < 0.73], [MD -0.83, 95% CI = -1.19 to -0.47; p < 0.00001], respectively, except the drainage volume, it showed no difference [MD -2.99, 95% CI= -19.75, 13.76, p < 0.73]. In secondary outcomes, it was favored only in mandibular numbness and return to normal diet outcomes. Additionally, TOETSMVA compared with COT showed a significant difference in drainage volume, pain, cosmetic effect, and satisfaction score. CONCLUSIONS: TOETSMVA showed a significant improvement compared to the TOETVA in operation time, hospital stay, number of resected lymph nodes, mandibular numbness, and return to normal diet but did not show a difference in drainage volume. However, TOETSMVA was better in cosmetic effect, drainage volume, satisfaction, and pain scores compared with COT. Further RCTs with larger sample size, multicentral, and longer follow-up are necessary to evaluate the limitations.

Feasibility of completion thyroidectomy via transoral endoscopic vestibular approach.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy is widely utilized for treating benign conditions and low-risk thyroid cancers, yet its use for completion thyroidectomy, especially when performed more than 2 weeks after an initial lobectomy, is less understood. In this retrospective study, we assessed patients who underwent endoscopic completion thyroidectomy via the transoral route, examining operative data and complications from both the initial lobectomy and the subsequent completion thyroidectomy, along with the pathological and oncologic outcomes of the latter surgery. Among the ten patients diagnosed with papillary carcinoma following an initial lobectomy who underwent a completion thyroidectomy via the same transoral approach, the median interval between surgeries was 5.4 months, with 80% of cases exceeding 3 months. All procedures were completed endoscopically without necessitating an open conversion. In 40% of these patients, additional microcarcinomas were identified in the contralateral thyroid lobe. Although the median operative time for completion thyroidectomy was longer (249 min) compared to the initial lobectomy (220 min), and postoperative pain scores on days 1 and 2 were slightly higher, and these differences were not statistically significant. Blood loss, drainage amounts, and hospital stay lengths were similar between both surgeries. The only major complication was transient hypoparathyroidism, occurring in 20% of the completion group, with 80% of patients achieving suppressed thyroglobulin levels of < 0.2 ng/mL postoperatively. Our findings demonstrate the practicality of using the transoral endoscopic vestibular approach for completion thyroidectomy, even when conducted more than 3 months after the initial lobectomy.

Postoperative Pain Following Transoral Thyroidectomy via Vestibular Approach and Cervical Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the vestibular approach (TOETVA) represents a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open thyroidectomy (OT). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to comprehensively analyze and compare postoperative pain outcomes between conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) and TOETVA. We conducted a systematic search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Medline, Elton B. Stephens Company (EBSCO), and Google Scholar, to identify cohorts and randomized trials comparing postoperative pain outcomes between patients undergoing transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the vestibular approach (TOETVA) and those undergoing conventional thyroidectomy. The search period spanned from the earliest available article up to January 15, 2022. Keywords such as "scarless thyroidectomy," "endoscopic transoral via vestibular thyroidectomy," "conventional thyroidectomy," "transcervical thyroidectomy," "postoperative pain," and "visual analog pain score" were utilized to retrieve relevant studies. A total of 1,291 patients from 11 studies were included in our analysis, with 10 studies originating from Asia and one from Europe. Among these studies, seven were prospective, while four were retrospective. The primary outcome measure was postoperative pain. Various statistical tests were also performed for data analysis, including the Chi-square and random effects model. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies. There was no significant statistical difference observed between the endoscopic transoral vestibular route and the conventional cervical approach in terms of visual analog scale (VAS) score, with an odds ratio of -0.37 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from -0.9 to 0.17. The overall effect had a P-value of 0.18. However, substantial heterogeneity was noted, with an I2 value for heterogeneity of 98% and a P-value for heterogeneity of less than 0.001. The Chi-square value was calculated as 364.02, and the main difference was 9. In comparison, TOETVA exhibited lower pain levels on the first day post-operation compared to conventional thyroidectomy, with an odds ratio of -1.36 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from -2.65 to -0.06. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the vestibular approach demonstrated superior outcomes compared to conventional thyroidectomy in terms of postoperative pain management on the first day following surgery. However, when considering overall pain management throughout the recovery period, no significant difference was observed between the two approaches. More extensive studies evaluating pain levels on the day of surgery and controlling for analgesic interventions are warranted.

Postoperative rehabilitation and quality of life evaluation for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

There are no targeted rehabilitation training modalities and assessment tools for patients after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). Herein, we develop a new assessment questionnaire and rehabilitation training modality and evaluate its safety and effectiveness. The THYCA-QoL-TOETVA questionnaire was compiled, and reliability and validity analyses were performed. Patients were divided into the new rehabilitation training group (N) or the conventional rehabilitation training group (C), and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed after administering questionnaires to patients in both groups. Cervical range of motion (CROM) data were also measured and collected for statistical analysis. The questionnaire used in this study showed good expert authority, coordination, internal consistency, and questionnaire reliability. A total of 476 patients were included after PSM, and the questionnaire results showed that recovery and quality of life were better in the N group than in the C group (124.55 ± 8.171 vs. 122.94 ± 8.366, p = 0.026). Analysis of cervical spine mobility showed that rehabilitation was better in the N group compared to the C group at postoperative one month (flexion: 1.762°, extension: 4.720°, left lateral bending: 3.912°, right lateral bending: 4.061°, left axial rotation: 5.180°, right axial rotation: 5.199°, p value all of these < 0.001), and at postoperative three months (flexion: 2.866°, extension: 2.904°, left lateral bending: 3.927°, right lateral bending: 3.330°, left axial rotation: 4.395°, right axial rotation: 3.992°, p value all of these < 0.001). The THYCA-QoL-TOETVA provides an appropriate and effective tool for measuring the postoperative quality of life of TOETVA patients. This new rehabilitation training can effectively alleviate the problem of limited neck movement and improve the quality of life of patients after TOETVA surgery.Trial registration: ChiCTR2300069097.

Horner syndrome immediately after deep dissection of upper thyroid pole: a case report and review of the literature.

Objectives: Horner syndrome (HS) is a rare complication of thyroid surgery. However, the relationship between the occurrence of HS and thyroid upper pole injury is still not completely clear, and there are only few reports. Case presentation: A 24-year-old female underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy for thyroid papillary carcinoma. The intraoperative examination found that the upper pole of the thyroid was bleeding. During hemostasis, the ultrasonic knife consciously peeled too deep and stopped. The patient developed HS immediately after operation. We analyzed the association between deep dissection of the upper thyroid pole and an increase in the HS incidence rate through literature searches and anatomical relationships. Conclusions: Our case report discussed the potential relationship between the degree of thyroid upper pole dissection and the occurrence of HS in routine thyroid surgery, and provided a warning for the degree of thyroid upper pole dissection in the clinic to avoid HS.

Retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy: initial single-institution experiences.

Conventional thyroidectomy often results in visible scarring postoperatively. Endoscopic thyroidectomy offers the advantage of scarless surgery, especially beneficial for young adult women. The retroauricular approach uses a facelift incision well-known among surgeons and eliminates the need for gas insufflation due to the large working space. An early retrospective analysis was conducted on thirty-one individuals who underwent gasless retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy approach, focusing on isthmolobectomies (n = 26) and lobectomies (n = 5), with one case necessitating conversion to open thyroidectomy, from January 2016 to April 2017. Physical examination, laboratory, and histopathology findings were collected. The scar was evaluated using the Vancouver Scale System, while other surgical and oncological outcomes were documented and assessed. The average operative time was 154.2 ± 21.3 min, with an average bleeding volume of 69.2 ± 52.1 mL. The average length of stay was 4.7 ± 2.2 days. All complications occurred were temporary and all subjects remained in good condition throughout the follow-up period. Most subjects (65.6%) were very satisfied with the scar concealed in the retroauricular area. Retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy is a safe and feasible remote access technique with excellent postoperative results.

A comparison of swallowing related quality of life in patients undergoing transoral endoscopic versus open thyroid surgery.

INTRODUCTION: It is important for the endoscopic thyroid surgeon to understand the pros and cons of trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy-vestibular approach (TOETVA) vis-à-vis, open conventional thyroidectomy (OTx) so he/she can help patients in making informed choices regarding the type of procedure to opt for. Swallowing related quality of life (SWAL-QoL) has not been compared between the two approaches. Using a rigorous qualitative methodology and validated reliable tool, this study set out to compare the swallowing related quality of life in patients undergoing TOETVA versus OTx. METHODS: Prospective study at 3 time points in patients planned for hemithyroidectomy (Preoperative, 1 week and 12 weeks). Data were collected on patients at a tertiary teaching institute in India. Participants ranged from age 18-60 years with a diagnosis of benign euthyroid nodule undergoing hemithyroidectomy. Exclusion criteria were-(1) pre-existing vocal cord abnormalities, (2) undergoing surgery for recurrent nodules, and (3) any neuro-muscular disease affecting swallowing ability. Main outcome measure was comparison of swallowing related quality of life domain scores between patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy via either endoscopic trans-oral or open approach. RESULTS: Of the 82 included patients, 40 underwent TOETVA and 42 OTx. Both the groups were comparable in terms of demographic and clinicopathological profile. The mean preoperative SWAL-QOL scores were comparable in all domains. Mean SWAL-QoL scores for all domains on postoperative day 7 were significantly better in TOETVA group with domains burden, eating desire, mental health and communication having medium effect sizes. Physical symptom domain was better in the OTx group but had a small effect size. The difference in SWAL-QoL domains between the two groups persisted for 3 months also. CONCLUSION: Swallowing related quality of life after trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy compared to conventional open surgery has not been reported in the literature. Our findings suggest that trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy results in significant superior swallowing related quality of life in the majority of domains.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy via chest-collarbone approach versus conventional open thyroidectomy: a retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE(S): Endoscopic thyroidectomy, such as axillary, areola and transoral approaches, offer the advantage of a good cosmetic outcome, but it requires a wider dissection field compared to open thyroidectomy. Recently, chest-collarbone approach thyroidectomy has been widely developed in China because of its shorter anatomical route compared to other endoscopic approaches. This study retrospectively evaluated endoscopic thyroidectomy via chest-collarbone approach in patients with thyroid nodules to determine its feasibility. METHODS: A total of 46 patients with thyroid disease who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy between January 2022 and December 2022 were enrolled in the study and randomly matched to patients with thyroid disease who underwent open thyroidectomy at the same time based on nodule size and pathology. Postoperative bleeding, hoarseness situation, hospital stay, postoperative drainage volume, laryngeal nerve palsy, hypoparathyroidism and wound infection were assessed in both groups. RESULTS: Forty-four patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy successfully and two patients changed to open thyroidectomy. The amount of postoperative drainage for the endoscopic thyroidectomy group was 102.78 ±â€¯28.04 mL, and which was 71.91 ±â€¯19.20 for open thyroidectomy group (p < 0.001). The postoperative hospital stay for the endoscopic thyroidectomy group was 8.78 ±â€¯2.57 days, and which was 7.22 ±â€¯1.13 for open thyroidectomy group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative bleeding, hoarseness situation, and wound infection between the two groups. Laryngeal nerve palsy, supraclavicular nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism were not observed in any patient during this study. CONCLUSION: Chest-collarbone endoscopic thyroid surgery is acceptable. This treatment improves in a good cosmetic outcome in patients with thyroid disease. To assess patients with preoperative nodule size and nature of the case is the impact of the success rate, which is particularly important.

Comparison of endoscopic thyroidectomy via the oral vestibule approach and the areola approach for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic thyroidectomy areola approach (ETAA) has been widely applied for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but leaves scars and is not truly minimally invasive. The oral vestibular approach (ETOVA) leaves no scars and is even more minimally invasive. However, there have been few comparative studies of ETAA and ETOVA for PTC. The purpose of our research was to compare two PTC treatment methods in terms of feasibility, safety, efficacy, and cosmetic results. METHODS: A total of 129 patients with PTC underwent thyroidectomy combined with central lymph node dissection by the same surgeon. Among them, 79 patients underwent the ETOVA, and the others underwent the ETAA. We compared the two groups in terms of operative outcomes, postoperative complications, and cosmetic results. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the clinical characteristics between the ETOVA and ETAA groups. There were no significant differences in the number of removed lymph nodes (P = 0.279) or the number of positive lymph nodes (P = 0.569), but the ETOVA group had a higher number of removed lymph nodes. There was also no significant difference in blood loss volume(P = 0.180), postoperative drainage volume (P = 0.063), length of hospital stay (P = 0.182), transient RLN injury rate (P = 1.000), permanent RLN injury rate (P = 1.000), or recurrence rate (P = 1.000). The ETOVA was a longer operation than the ETAA was (P < 0.01). The ETOVA group had less pain (VAS 1: P < 0.01, VAS 3: P = 0.001), less neck discomfort (1 month after surgery: P = 0.009, 3 months after surgery: P = 0.033), and better cosmetic results (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ETOVA is not inferior to the ETAA in terms of safety and curability of PTC and is advantageous in terms of central lymph node dissection, minimal invasiveness, and cosmetic results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University (2017 V1.0). No funding was received.

A Comparison Between the Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach and the Transareolar Approach Regarding Perioperative Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The global adoption of remote thyroidectomy is increasing, with the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) and transareolar approach (TAA) emerging as predominant methods. However, existing meta-analyses comparing these approaches to operative surgeries and short-term postoperative complications have significant limitations. To address this gap, our meta-analysis provides a comprehensive comparison between the TOETVA and TAA, focusing on operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, and hospital stay duration. It aims to offer robust insights into their relative efficacy and safety profiles. We searched SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library from June 2015 to January 2024 for studies comparing transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with the vestibular approach and areolar thyroidectomy using keywords, including "transoral thyroidectomy" and "scarless thyroidectomy." Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, or prospective/retrospective cohort studies comparing the TOETVA and TAA. Exclusion criteria removed case series, cross-sectional studies, editorials, non-English language, animal studies, and irrelevant articles. Data on operative time, postoperative drainage, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay were extracted. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality (all studies scored 7-8). The findings revealed that the operative time was longer among the TOETVA group, with less intraoperative blood loss (odds ratio (OR) = 13.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.44-22.19); OR = -1.61, 95% CI = -2.82 to -0.39, respectively). Regarding hospitalization duration and postoperative drainage, no discernible difference was observed between the endoscopic TAA (ETAA) and TOETVA (OR = -0.04, 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.16; OR = -6.74, 95% CI = -20.08 to 6.60, respectively). The TOETVA has advantages over the TAA in terms of intraoperative blood loss and shorter operation times. However, both approaches exhibited comparable outcomes in terms of hospital stay duration and postoperative drainage. Furthermore, extensive randomized trials are warranted.

Application and advantages of a joystick-controlled robotic scope holder in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: a comparative study.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy has gained popularity due to its scarless nature, but the use of a handheld endoscope can lead to an unstable visual field. Soloassist II, a robotic scope holder, enables precise control using a joystick, ensuring stable vision. This study aims to evaluate the application and the advantages of Soloassist II in transoral thyroidectomy. Patients who underwent transoral thyroidectomy with Soloassist II or human assistance between June 2019 and May 2021 were reviewed. Patient demographics and surgical outcomes were compared. The ergonomic stress of the assistant in both groups was also measured. A total of 100 consecutive patients were included: 32 were assisted by Soloassist II and 68 by humans. The Soloassist II group demonstrated significantly shorter operation times (median [IQR]) (165 [149,179] vs. 181 [165,204] min, P = 0.004) in unilateral lobectomy and less blood loss (median [IQR]) (2 [2,2] vs. 2 [2,3] ml, P = 0.002) than the human-assisted group. Postoperative course and complication rates were similar. The musculoskeletal pain of the assistant was significantly higher and involved more areas in the human-assisted group. The utilization of Soloassist II in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy is easy to set up and leads to shorter operation times, reduced blood loss, and decreased musculoskeletal pain compared to human handheld endoscope. These findings support the potential of Soloassist II in improving surgical outcomes and minimizing physical strain during transoral thyroidectomy.

Subcutaneous implantation of nodular goiter after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: A case study and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Extrathyroid implantation or dissemination of thyroid tissue secondary to a thyroid procedure is rare. Most of these belonged to thyroid carcinoma with metastatic potential and uncommon for benign pathologies. METHODS: We report the case of a 31-year-old female who was identified to have multiple subcutaneous implantation of thyroid tissue 5 years after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach. A comprehensive literature search on implantation of thyroid tissue secondary to thyroid procedures was performed. RESULTS: Accidental tearing of the capsule during previous surgery may lead to the subcutaneous implantation. Through literature review, a total 29 articles with 47 patients were identified. 33.3% were benign lesions, and implantation was mostly secondary to fine needle aspiration biopsy (46.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous or port site implantation after endoscopic thyroid surgery may occur in benign thyroid pathologies and therefore, oncologic principles must be strictly followed during surgery regardless of its histopathological nature.

The impact of coexisting Hashimoto's thyroiditis on the feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Objective: ：The safety of endoscopic thyroidectomy in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a matter of concern. This study aimed to assess the effect of concomitant HT on the feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: This study is an observational, retrospective study. All patients were histopathologically diagnosed with HT. The study group consisted of 44 patients (40 %) with PTC who also had HT, whereas the remaining 66 patients (60%) without HT were assigned to the control group. The number of dissected lymph nodes, mean operation time, thyroid volume, blood loss, TSH level, and postoperative complications were recorded and statistically analysed. Results: One patient underwent conversion to open thyroidectomy because of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transection. Another patient required reoperation owing to postoperative haemorrhage. Statistically significant differences were observed in mean operation time (105.4 ± 10.7 vs 98.2 ± 7.4 min, P = 0.0001),mean thyroid lobe volume (12.2 ± 5.8 vs 9.6 ± 3.5 mL [mL], P = 0.0041), TSH level(4.1 ± 1.5 mIU/L vs 3.4 ± 0.9 mIU/L, P ＝ 0.0028), and the number of dissected lymph nodes between groups (4.1 ± 1.5 vs 3.4 ± 0.9,P = 0.0028). The estimated mean blood loss (31.5 ± 6.8 vs 29.5 ± 3.9 mL, P = 0.0529) and rate of complications (15.9% vs 10.6%, P = 0.4136) did not show statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusion: The coexistence of PTC and HT increases the operation time and difficulties in endoscopic thyroidectomy but does not affect postoperative outcomes. Endoscopic thyroidectomy can be safely performed with acceptable complication rates.

Advances in the assessment of cosmetic outcomes, sensory alteration in surgical areas, and health-related quality of life of endoscopic thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thyroidectomy has been preliminarily proven effective and safe for thyroid diseases. The cosmetic outcomes and life quality are critical contents of postoperative assessment. This review will primarily focus on the assessment methods and results related to cosmetic outcomes, sensory alteration of surgical area, and quality of life following endoscopic thyroidectomy. METHODS: A comprehensive search of published articles within the last decade was conducted using the terms "endoscopic/robotic thyroidectomy," "patient satisfaction scores," "questionnaire," "quality of life," and "cosmetic" in PubMed. RESULTS: Assessment methods for postoperative cosmetic satisfaction and sensory alterations encompassed verbal/visual analog scales, scar evaluations, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests, and more. The evaluation of postoperative quality of life in endoscopic thyroidectomy involved tools such as SF-36, SF-12, thyroid-specific questionnaires, thyroid cancer-specific quality of life questionnaires (THYCA-QOL), as well as assessments related to voice and swallow function. The cosmetic results of endoscopic thyroidectomy generally surpassed those of open thyroidectomy, while the quality of life in endoscopic procedures was either superior or equivalent to that in open thyroidectomy, especially with respect to general health, role emotion, and vitality. CONCLUSIONS: Assessments of cosmetic outcomes and sensory alterations following endoscopic thyroidectomy predominantly relied on patients' subjective feelings. The objective and subjective perspectives of scar assessments remain underutilized. In addition, postoperative laryngoscopy and voice function assessments in endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures require more attention.

Clinical analysis of a new multifunctional instrument set for gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy with two different approaches.

BACKGROUND: Following the rapid development of endoscopic thyroidectomy techniques, various surgical procedures have been developed (e.g., transoral, submandibular, areolar, axillary, retroauricular, and combined procedures), and each of these procedures has its own advantages. In recent years, gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy has emerged as a feasible procedure, and it has replaced traditional CO2 insufflation approaches because of advantages such as stable cavity construction, pollution reduction, resource saving, and risk reduction. However, each gasless procedure requires special instruments for cavity construction, and this results in enormous wastage of medical resources. In the present study, we introduced a set of instruments developed by our team. This set of instruments is designed to be compatible with the current gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy approaches, including transoral, submandibular, transareolar, transaxillary, retroauricular, combined, and lateral cervical lymph node dissection. Here, we introduced this set of instruments for two gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures (transaxillary and transareolar). Following the incorporation of this set of instruments in regular clinical practice, it could be used for more gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures in the future. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the self-developed instruments for gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy in two different approaches. METHODS: A total of 180 patients diagnosed to have papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) between January 2020 and April 2022 were retrospectively investigated. The patients were assigned to a gasless transaxillary group (group A) and a gasless transareolar group (group B). The same gasless endoscopic-assisted instruments were used for both groups. The clinical characteristics, treatment results, and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All 180 patients were successfully operated. The extent of surgical resection in all patients was the same: "unilateral glandular lobectomy + isthmus combined with ipsilateral central zone lymph node dissection." There were 130 and 50 patients in group A and group B, respectively; one patient in the former group was converted to open surgery due to intraoperative bleeding. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and proportion of concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis (P > 0.05). The establishment of cavity time was significantly longer in group A than in group B (35.62 ± 5.07 min vs. 17.46 ± 2.55 min, P < 0.01). The number of lymph nodes cleared was slightly less in group A than in group B (4.06 ± 2.93 vs. 4.52 ± 2.38, P = 0.07). Moreover, the two groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the total operative time (145.54 ± 45.11 min vs. 143.06 ± 46.70 min), tumor size (0.68 ± 0.46 cm vs. 0.71 ± 0.49 cm), postoperative hospital stay (4.08 ± 1.48 days vs. 3.72 ± 1.07 days), vocal cord paralysis [4 (3.1%) vs. 2 (4%)], postoperative swallowing discomfort [24 (18.5%) vs. 5 (10%)], and postoperative recurrence and satisfaction scores (3.27 ± 1.52 vs. 3.28 ± 1.53). CONCLUSION: Although the two approaches of gasless endoscopic surgery have different operative paths and different time periods for cavity construction, both approaches are similar in terms of the principle of cavity construction, safe and reliable postoperative efficacy, and good cosmetic effect. Therefore, the same set of instruments can be used to complete the surgery in both approaches, thus saving medical resources and facilitating the popularization of this technology.

A prospective study comparing the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach to conventional open thyroidectomy: health and quality of life outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between different surgical treatments and quality of life remains uncertain for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The aim of this study is to compare the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach (ET) and traditional open thyroidectomy (OT) through a prospective cohort study focusing on the rate of the efficacy, and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This prospective observational longitudinal cohort study enrolled 134 female patients diagnosed with DTC from December 01/2021 to December 31/2022. Multiple scales were applicated to evaluate the differences in quality of life, effectiveness, safety, etc. between the two groups during preoperative and postoperative follow-up periods, including the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30, version 3.0 (QOL-C30), Symptom Checklist (SCL-90), Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR-Q), voice impairment score (VIS), swallowing impairment score (SIS), and neck impairment score (NIS). RESULTS: Among them, 68 accepted ET and 66 patients underwent OT. To enhance comparability between the two groups, the patients enrolled in this study are female. Compared with the OT group, the ET group performed significantly better postoperative physical quality of life, including sound (p = 0.036), swallowing (p < 0.001), and neck function (p = 0.010). The ET group was also associated with significantly better cosmetic satisfaction (p < 0.001), and relatively faster recovery in psychological and emotional situation. CONCLUSIONS: Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy through an axillary approach leads to good cosmetic and psychological effects, improves postoperative QoL, and could be recommended for rapid postoperative recovery and involvement in daily and social activities.

A modified, single-incision, gasless, endoscopic thyroidectomy and bilateral central neck dissection via axillary approach technique for bilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: A preliminary report.

Background: Our objective was to assess the viability and oncological security of a gasless, transaxillary single-incision endoscopic procedure for performing total thyroidectomy and bilateral central neck dissection (TT + BCND). This study focused on patients diagnosed with bilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Method: Between April 2020 and November 2021, 22 patients with bilateral PTMC underwent single-incision, gasless, transaxillary endoscopic TT + BCND. The patients' clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical completeness and complications were analyzed. Result: Single-incision, gasless, transaxillary endoscopic TT + BCND was successful performed in all patients. The median (IQR) total surgical time was 143 (85-160) min. Only two patients experienced transient unilateral RLN palsy or transient hypocalcemia. All these complications resolved within 1 month after surgery. The median duration of hospital stay after surgery was 4 (3-4.5) days. The median hospitalization expense for these patients was 3848 (3781-4145) USD. The median number of lymph node yielded was 10.5 (8-15). The cosmetic outcomes were well-received by all individuals. Conclusion: In certain cases, gasless, transaxillary endoscopic TT + BCND procedure performed through a single incision proved to be a secure alternative for managing bilateral PTMC.

Quantitative comparison of three thyroidectomy approaches in neck muscles, voice, and swallowing functions.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares endoscopic thyroidectomy by gasless unilateral axillary approach (ETGUA) and sternocleidomastoid leading-edge approach (SLEA) with conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) in hemithyroidectomy. The main focus is on the protection of neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid) and the postoperative function of voice and swallowing yielded through these common approaches. METHODS: A total of 302 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy were enrolled and divided into three groups: ETGUA (n = 101), SLEA (n = 100), and COT (n = 101). Ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of bilateral neck muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid, omohyoid, and sternothyroid. The changes in thickness on the surgical side compared to the non-surgical side. Analyzed factors included muscle thickness changes, Swallowing Impairment Score (SIS), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR), Neck Injury Index (NII), surgery duration, drainage volume, hospitalization, and number of lymph nodes. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics among the three groups were consistent except for differences in sex, age, and BMI. Metrics such as sternocleidomastoid muscle, NII, hypocalcemia, postoperative PTH, transient hoarseness, and number of lymph nodes showed no significant differences among the three groups. However, significant differences were found in the duration of surgery, drainage volume, hospitalization period omohyoid muscle, Sternohyoid muscle, VHI, SIS, and SCAR (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In comparison to COT, ETGUA and SLEA demonstrate superiority in protecting neck muscles and preserving voice and swallowing function without compromising surgical safety or radicality.

Comparison of postoperative pain between transoral and conventional thyroidectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The extent of postoperative pain following transoral thyroidectomy is not well-understood and remains a subject of debate. This study aims to analyze and compare postoperative pain levels between patients undergoing transoral and conventional transcervical thyroidectomy. METHODS: A prospective evaluation on postoperative pain was conducted in 310 patients undergoing conventional thyroidectomy and 194 undergoing transoral thyroidectomy. Pain levels were evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS, ranging from 0 to 10) through preoperative and postoperative questionnaires at specified time points: 1, 3, and 6 days, and 1 and 3 months following surgery. Propensity score-matched analysis was carried out based on six covariates: sex, age, body mass index, extent of thyroidectomy, tumor size, and central neck dissection. RESULTS: After propensity score matching based on the six covariates, 121 patient pairs were identified from each group. Within this matched cohort, postoperative pain scores significantly worsened 1 day after surgery but showed progressive recovery up to 3 months post-surgery in both groups. The transoral group exhibited higher postoperative pain scores than the conventional group from day 1 (4.43 ± 2.6 vs. 3.11 ± 2.5, p < 0.001) to day 6 (1.76 ± 1.9 vs. 1.13 ± 1.6, p = 0.016) post-surgery, with no significant difference noted at 1 month. Among transoral procedures, pain scores were significantly higher for the endoscopic approach compared to the robotic approach on days 1 (5.52 ± 2.3 vs. 4.29 ± 2.3, p = 0.028) and 3 (3.52 ± 2.5 vs. 2.64 ± 2.0, p = 0.047) post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain was significantly higher in transoral thyroidectomy compared to conventional thyroidectomy up to 6 days post-surgery. Within the transoral group, the robotic procedure resulted in lower pain levels than the endoscopic approach during the early postoperative period.