The iceberg technique: an innovative approach for radiofrequency ablation of diving thyroid nodules.

Diving thyroid nodules are a limitation of radiofrequency ablation because the mediastinal component cannot be adequately identified by ultrasound (US). We aim to describe a new technique, the iceberg technique, to overcome this issue and explain our three-year experience of using this novel method. The iceberg technique consists of a two-stage treatment. First, the ablation of the cervical portion of the nodules (easily visualized during the initial US exam) using trans-isthmic access is performed using the moving-shot technique. After three to six months, there is a volumetric reduction of the treated portion, leading to retraction of the thyroid parenchyma. This brings the mediastinal component to the cervical region, thereby enabling a perfect visualization by US. Then, the second stage of treatment is carried out with complete nodule ablation, and the region that was treated first is looked at a second time. From April 2018 to April 2021, nine patients with nine benign nodules were submitted for the iceberg technique. No complications occurred during the entire follow-up period. The patients displayed normal hormonal levels after the procedures, and there was a significant volume reduction of the nodules until three months post-ablation. The iceberg technique is an effective and safe option for the radiofrequency treatment of diving goiters.

Hydrodissection and programmed stop sedation in 100 % of benign thyroid nodules treated with radiofrequency ablation.

PURPOSE: To describe our group experience in treatment of benign symptomatic thyroid nodules using radiofrequency ablation technique always associated to routine pre-procedure hydrodissection and under sedation with programmed stop. METHODS: Dual-center, retrospective study conducted between April 2018 and January 2020. A total of 52 symptomatic benign thyroid nodules were treated in 34 patients with ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. The technique of choice was moving-shot technique and 100 % patients underwent pre-procedural hydrodissection with 5% glucose solution, plus conscious sedation with programmed stop during procedure. RESULTS: Most nodules were solid or almost completely solid (n = 45, 88.3 % of nodules), followed by cystic composition (n = 4, 7.8 %) and mixed (n = 2, 3.9 %). As for location, most were on the right lobe (n = 29, 56.9 %), followed by the left lobe (n = 17, 33.3 %) and isthmus (n = 5, 9.8 %). The average volume of nodules before ablation was 18.2 ±â€¯20.5 mL. Volumetric reduction rates at one, three, six and twelve months after ablation were 46.6 %, 64.5 %, 76.1 % and 88.8 %, respectively. No complications strictly related to procedure were reported. No more than 5 min were added to total time of ablative treatment considering routine hydrodissection and stop programmed sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive therapies applied to thyroid allow the preservation of healthy thyroid parenchyma and provide a very effective volumetric reduction of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Hydrodissection with 5 % glucose solution, conscious sedation and patient stimulation with programmed stop during procedure may provide greater safety to procedure, and, in our experience, could be done routinely in all patients.

Substernal goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to compare the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux signs between two groups of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for voluminous goiter: substernal goiters and voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Subjects and methods A retrospective case-control study was performed with data retrieved of the charts of the patients submitted to thyroidectomies occurred at a tertiary care center (Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School) between 2010 and 2014. The selected thyroidectomies were allocated in two groups for study: patients with substernal goiters and patients with voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Cervical goiters were selected by ultrasonography mensuration. Clinical criterion was used to define substernal goiter. Results The average thyroid volume in patients with substernal goiter was significantly greater than the average volume in patients with only cervical goiter (p < 0.001). The prevalence of signs of reflux laryngitis at laryngoscopy was significantly greater in substernal goiter patients (p = 0.036). Moreover, substernal goiter was considered as the unique independent variable for high reflux laryngitis signs at laryngoscopy (OR = 2.75; CI95%: 1.05-7.20; p = 0.039) when compared to only cervical goiter patients. Conclusion This study shows a significant association between substernal goiters and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux at preoperative laryngoscopy. Therefore, when compared with voluminous cervical goiters, the substernal goiters increase the chance of reflux laryngitis signs in patients.

Substernal goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux signs between two groups of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for voluminous goiter: substernal goiters and voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed with data retrieved of the charts of the patients submitted to thyroidectomies occurred at a tertiary care center (Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School) between 2010 and 2014. The selected thyroidectomies were allocated in two groups for study: patients with substernal goiters and patients with voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Cervical goiters were selected by ultrasonography mensuration. Clinical criterion was used to define substernal goiter. RESULTS: The average thyroid volume in patients with substernal goiter was significantly greater than the average volume in patients with only cervical goiter (p < 0.001). The prevalence of signs of reflux laryngitis at laryngoscopy was significantly greater in substernal goiter patients (p = 0.036). Moreover, substernal goiter was considered as the unique independent variable for high reflux laryngitis signs at laryngoscopy (OR = 2.75; CI95%: 1.05-7.20; p = 0.039) when compared to only cervical goiter patients. CONCLUSION: This study shows a significant association between substernal goiters and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux at preoperative laryngoscopy. Therefore, when compared with voluminous cervical goiters, the substernal goiters increase the chance of reflux laryngitis signs in patients.

The learning progression of diagnostic sialendoscopy / Progressão do aprendizado da sialoendoscopia diagnóstica

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Sialendoscopy is becoming the gold standard procedure for diagnosis and treatment of Salivary Gland Inflammatory Diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the learning progression of a single surgeon to implement and perform diagnostic sialendoscopy: to estimate how many procedures were necessary to achieve better results; if it was higher rate of complications in the beginning. METHODS: Retrospective analysis involving 113 consecutive sialendoscopies performed from 2010 to 2013. According to a descriptive analysis of the factors related to surgeon's experience, the casuistic was divided into two groups: group (A) comprising the first 50 exams, and group (B) the last 63. Groups were then compared concerning demographic and peri-operative aspects. RESULTS: In Group A, failure to catheterize papilla were 22% versus 3% in B (p = 0.001). Failure to complete examination was 30% in group A versus 6% in B (p = 0.001), and necessity to repeat exams was 22% in group A versus 10% in B (p = 0.058). The complication rates were 18% in group A, and 10% in B (p = 0.149). Operative time was slightly shorter in group B (56 versus 41 min, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: We found better outcomes after the first 50 diagnostic sialendoscopies. Complication rates were statistically the same between early and late groups of experience with sialendoscopy.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A sialoendoscopia vem se tornando o procedimento de referência para o diagnóstico e o tratamento das doenças inflamatórias da glândula salivar. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a progressão de aprendizado de um mesmo cirurgião para implementação e realização da sialoendoscopia diagnóstica: verificar quantos procedimentos foram necessários para a obtenção de resultados melhores e se houve ocorrência de maior taxa de complicações no início do aprendizado. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva envolvendo 113 sialoendoscopias consecutivas realizadas de 2010 a 2013. De acordo com uma análise descritiva dos fatores relacionados à experiência do cirurgião, a casuística foi dividida em dois grupos: grupo (A), compreendendo os primeiros 50 exames; e grupo (B), os últimos 63. Em seguida, os grupos foram comparados, levando em consideração os aspectos demográficos e perioperatórios. RESULTADOS: No grupo A, a não realização do cateterismo papilar foi de 22% vs. 3% em B (p = 0,001). A não realização de um exame completo foi de 30% no grupo A vs. 6% em B (p = 0,001), e a necessidade de repetir o exame foi de 22% no grupo A vs. 10% em B (p = 0,058). Os percentuais de complicações foram 18% no grupo A e 10% em B (p = 0,149). O tempo operatório foi ligeiramente menor no grupo B (56 vs. 41 minutos, p = 0,045). CONCLUSÃO: Verificamos melhores desfechos após as 50 primeiras sialoendoscopias diagnósticas. Os percentuais de complicações foram estatisticamente semelhantes entre os grupos inicial e avançado de experiência com a sialoendoscopia.

The learning progression of diagnostic sialendoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Sialendoscopy is becoming the gold standard procedure for diagnosis and treatment of Salivary Gland Inflammatory Diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the learning progression of a single surgeon to implement and perform diagnostic sialendoscopy: to estimate how many procedures were necessary to achieve better results; if it was higher rate of complications in the beginning. METHODS: Retrospective analysis involving 113 consecutive sialendoscopies performed from 2010 to 2013. According to a descriptive analysis of the factors related to surgeon's experience, the casuistic was divided into two groups: group (A) comprising the first 50 exams, and group (B) the last 63. Groups were then compared concerning demographic and peri-operative aspects. RESULTS: In Group A, failure to catheterize papilla were 22% versus 3% in B (p=0.001). Failure to complete examination was 30% in group A versus 6% in B (p=0.001), and necessity to repeat exams was 22% in group A versus 10% in B (p=0.058). The complication rates were 18% in group A, and 10% in B (p=0.149). Operative time was slightly shorter in group B (56 versus 41 min, p=0.045). CONCLUSION: We found better outcomes after the first 50 diagnostic sialendoscopies. Complication rates were statistically the same between early and late groups of experience with sialendoscopy.

A associação dos níveis séricos de TSH com o risco de câncer bem diferenciado de tireoide e sua relação com a agressividade da doença / The association of serum TSH with the risk of well-differentiated thyroid cancer and its relation with disease aggressiveness

Introdução: O câncer de tireoide é a neoplasia endócrina de maior prevalência, e sua incidência vem aumentando nos últimos anos. Estudos anteriores sugeriram que o nível sérico de Hormônio Estimulante de Tireoide (TSH) é um fator de risco independente para o desenvolvimento de cânceres bem diferenciados de tireoide. Além disso, alguns desses estudos demonstraram que altos níveis de TSH estão relacionados a estágios mais avançados de doença. Objetivos: O objetivo do presente estudo é averiguar se os níveis de TSH, mesmo dentro da faixa da normalidade, se correlacionam com maior incidência e maior agressividade dos carcinomas bem diferenciados de tireoide. Métodos: Analisamos os dados de 1180 pacientes submetidos a tireoidectomia total pela equipe da Disciplina de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do HC-FMUSP, sendo 57,9% devido a doenças benignas e 42,1% a neoplasias malignas de tireoide. Para cada paciente, adotamos os valores absolutos de TSH referentes à última coleta antes da cirurgia, e os resultados dos exames anatomopatológicos (AP). Resultados: A comparação dos níveis de TSH estratificado nos pacientes com doenças benignas e com neoplasias malignas demonstrou uma associação estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,0001), nos permitindo inferir que pacientes com valor de TSH sérico maior de 1,16 µIU/mL tem maior risco de serem portadores de câncer bem diferenciado de tireoide do que aqueles que tem níveis de TSH menor ou igual a este valor. Porém, quando comparamos o estadio final dos CBT com os níveis de THS estratificado não houve associação significativa (p = 0,585), e assim pelos nossos resultados não podemos afirmar que valores de TSH maiores de 1,16 µIU/mL estão associados a maior gravidade no câncer de tireoide.

Introduction: The thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, and its incidence has increased in recent years. Previous studies have suggested that serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is an independent risk factor for the development of well differentiated thyroid cancer. Furthermore, some of these studies showed that high TSH levels are related to more advanced stages of disease. Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate if serum THS levels, even whitin the normal range, are related with higher incidence and increased aggressiveness of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Methods: We analyzed data of 1180 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy by the Discipline of Head and Neck Surgery from Hospital das Clinicas of University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP). 57.9% was due to benign diseases and 42,1% was due to malignant neoplasms. For each patient, we adopted the value of serum TSH reference to the last collection before surgery, and the results of the pathologic exams. Results: The comparison of the stratified TSH levels in the patients with benign diseases and malignant neoplasms showed a statistically significant association (p < 0,0001), allowing us to infer that patients with TSH levels higher than 1,16 µIU/mL have higher risk of being carriers of well differentiated thyroid cancer than those who TSH levels less than or equal to this value. But when we compared the final stage of CBT with the stratified TSH levels, there was no significant association (p = 0,585), and so by our results we cannot say that THS levels higher then 1,16 µIU/mL are associated with more advanced stage of disease.

Análise da integridade e funcionalidade do nervo laríngeno recorrente após tireoidectomias: estudo comparativo com e sem a utilização da eletroneuromiografia intra-operatório / Analysis of the integrity and functionality of the recurrent laryngeal nerve after thyroidectomies- Comparative study with and without the use of intraoperative electroneuromyography

A intervenção cirúrgica sobre a glândula tireóide pode apresentar diversas complicações, sendo uma das mais temidas é a lesão dos nervos laríngeos recorrentes que leva a paresia ou paralisia da prega vocal em até 15% dos pacientes conforme registra a literatura. No entanto, muitas vezes os índices de lesão do nervo são subestimados, pois muitas vezes apenas pacientes com sintomas importantes são investigados, muitas vezes, no entanto, a preocupação com a lesão do nervo é crucial durante o ato cirúrgico, especialmente em dissecções bilaterais do nervo. Apesar dos enormes avanços tecnológicos dos últimos tempos, esta complicação apenas diminui, não desapareceu. Diversas técnicas de diagnóstico intra-operatório de viabilidade do nervo foram desenvolvidas nas últimas décadas, porém muitas delas de difícil execução prática, outras apresentam altos índices de complicações e outras ainda tem pouca especificidade no diagnóstico da lesão do nervo laríngeo recorrente. Uma das técnicas de maior aceitação é a monitorização intra-operatória não invasiva dos nervos laríngeos recorrentes através da utilização do eletrodo de superfície acoplado à cânula endotraqueal. Esta técnica apresenta diversas vantagens pois não estende o tempo cirúrgico, não há necessidade de modificação da técnica operatória ou anestésica e é de fácil utilização e assimilação pela equipe médica. No entanto muito se discute hoje na literatura sobre os reais benefícios desta tecnologia e qual o impacto na diminuição da lesão pósoperatória do nervo laríngeo recorrente. Assim foi estudado através de um estudo duplo-cego e randomizado a evolução de pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia com e sem a utilização da monitorização intra-operatória do nervo laríngeo recorrente. Para tal análise avaliamos e comparamos os resultados pré e pós operatório dos parâmetros de mobilidade das pregas vocais (através da laringoscopia direta) e função (através da análise vocal auditiva e acústica), além do tempo...

The surgery of the thyroid gland could present several complications, one of the most feared is the recurrent laryngeal nerve injury leading to vocal fold paresy or paralysis up to 15% of patients according to literature. However, many times the rate of nerve injury are underestimated because frequently only patients with significant symptoms are investigated, often however the concern about the nerve injury is crucial during surgery, especially in bilateral dissections of the nerve. Despite enormous technological advances of recent times, this kind of complication only diminishes, not disappeared. Several techniques of intraoperative nerve viability have been developed in recent decades, but many of them are difficult to implement, others have high rates of complications and still others have little specificity in the diagnosis of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. One of the most accepted techniques for nerve evaluation is the noninvasive intraoperative monitoring by using surface electrodes attached to the endotracheal tube. This approach has several advantages because it no extends the operating time, no need modification of surgical or anesthetic technique and is easy to use and be assimilated by the surgical team. However there is no consensus in the literature about the real benefits of this technology and what is its impact on the reduction of postoperative injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. It was evaluated by a double-blind, randomized study of patients underwent thyroidectomies with and without the use of intraoperative monitoring sistem of recurrent laryngeal nerve. For this analysis we evaluated and compared the results of preoperative and postoperative parameters of vocal fold mobility (by direct laryngoscopy) and function (through vocal and and acoustic analysis), the time spent in identifying the recurrent laryngeal nerve during surgery was also compared. The patients were operated by the same surgeon and by the same surgical...

Análise comparativa da incidência de câncer em pacientes operados com e sem hipertireoidismo / Comparative analysis of cancer incidence in patients operated with and without hyperthyroidism

Introdução: A incidência de câncer de tireóide em pacientes operados por hipertireoidismo vem aumentando nos últimos anos. A maioria desses casos é composta por tumores pequenos que são achados no resultado anátomo-patológico, o que implica em grande desafio ao cirurgião de cabeça e pescoço. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre hipertireoidismo e câncer de tireóide. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes operados em uma única instituição entre 2004 e 2010. Foram identificados 1133 pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia dos quais 761 foram analisados. Os pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos, com e sem diagnóstico de hipertireoidismo. Foi realizada revisão de prontuário com avaliação de variáveis clínicas e patológicas. Realizada análise estatística dos dados. Resultados: Do total de pacientes do estudo 8,3% tinham diagnóstico pré-operatório de hipertireoidismo. Desses, 39,7% tinham doença de Graves, 49,2% bócio multinodular tóxico e 11,1% doença de Plummer. A incidência de câncer foi de 20,6% no grupo com hipertireoidismo e 38,7% no grupo sem (p=0,024). Os pacientes com hipertireoidismo apresentaram maior incidência de carcinoma micropapilífero (p=0,011) e tireoidite (p=0,02), menor sensibilidade para detecção de doença maligna na punção biópsia (50%) e congelação (25%). A maioria dos pacientes foi submetido à tireoidectomia total, à exceção dos pacientes com doença de Plummer (p<0,01). Conclusão: Em nossa casuística os pacientes com hipertireoidismo operados apresentaram incidência de malignidade menor que a de pacientes sem hipertireoidismo, sendo acometidos preferencialmente por microcarcinomas. Em grande parte dos casos o diagnóstico foi realizado apenas no anátomo-patológico. Punção biópsia e exame de congelação mostraram baixa sensibilidade para diagnóstico de doença maligna nesse grupo.

Background: The incidence of thyroid cancer in patients surgically treated for hyperthyroidism has increased in recent years. Most of these cases are composed of small tumors that are found only in the pathological analyze, which implies a big challenge for the head and neck surgeon. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Methods: A retrospective study of patients operated in a single institution between 2004 and 2010. We identified 1133 patients underwent thyroidectomy of whom 761 cases were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups, with and without diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Chart review was performed with assessment of clinical and pathological variables. Statistical analysis of data was performed. Results: Among the patients studied, 8.3% had diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Of these, 39.7% had Graves' disease, 49,2% toxic multinodular goiter and 11.1% Plummer's disease. The incidence of cancer was 20.6% in patients with hyperthyroidism and 38.7% in patients without (p=0.024). Patients with hyperthyroidism showed higher incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (p=0.011) and thyroiditis (p=0.02), lower sensitivity for detecting malignancy in fine needle aspiration (50%) and frozen section (25%). Most patients underwent total thyroidectomy, except for patients with Plummer's disease (p<0.01). Conclusion: In our series the patients with hyperthyroidism had lower incidence of malignancy, and were mainly affected by papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. In most cases diagnose was done only in pathological analyses. Fine needle aspiration and frozen section examination showed low sensitivity for diagnosis of malignancy in this group.

[Thyroid gland primary leiomyosarcoma]. / Leiomiossarcoma primário da glândula tireoide.

Despite the fact that 15% to 20% of sarcomas occur in the head and neck and 80% in adults, only 0.014% are primary thyroid leiomyosarcomas. To the best of our knowledge, only 16 cases have been reported around the world, none in South America. Cytologic diagnosis is challenging and these tumors may be mistaken by more common ones such as anaplastic or medullary carcinomas. The treatment of choice for thyroid leiomyosarcomas is not well established yet because of its poor prognosis. Radical surgery associated with chemoradiotherapy has not been effective and did not improve survival rates. The authors report a case of primary thyroid leiomyosarcoma in a young male, who has been submitted to total thyroidectomy and selective neck dissection. Extensive literature review was performed by the authors. The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy, presenting good postoperative course. After four years evolution, there was no local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Leiomiossarcoma primário da glândula tireoide / Thyroid gland primary leiomyosarcoma

Aproximadamente 15 por cento a 20 por cento dos sarcomas ocorrem na região da cabeça e pescoço, 80 por cento em adultos, sendo apenas 0,014 por cento leiomiossarcomas primários de tireoide. Existem apenas 16 casos relatados no mundo, dos quais não há nenhum em nosso meio. São tumores com diagnóstico citológico pré-operatório difícil e podem ser confundidos com outras lesões mais comuns da tireoide, como carcinomas anaplásicos e medulares. O tratamento ideal ainda não está bem definido, visto que o prognóstico é ruim e a cirurgia radical associada à quimioterapia e à radioterapia adjuvantes não demonstra melhora nas taxas de recorrência e sobrevida. Relatou-se um caso de leiomiossarcoma primário da glândula tireoide em um paciente jovem, submetido a tireoidectomia total e esvaziamento cervical, associado à radioterapia adjuvante e realizou-se uma extensa revisão da literatura existente sobre o tema. Houve boa evolução pós-operatória, sem sinais de recidiva após quatro anos de seguimento.

Despite the fact that 15 percent to 20 percent of sarcomas occur in the head and neck and 80 percent in adults, only 0.014 percent are primary thyroid leiomyosarcomas. To the best of our knowledge, only 16 cases have been reported around the world, none in South America. Cytologic diagnosis is challenging and these tumors may be mistaken by more common ones such as anaplastic or medullary carcinomas. The treatment of choice for thyroid leiomyosarcomas is not well established yet because of its poor prognosis. Radical surgery associated with chemoradiotherapy has not been effective and did not improve survival rates. The authors report a case of primary thyroid leiomyosarcoma in a young male, who has been submitted to total thyroidectomy and selective neck dissection. Extensive literature review was performed by the authors. The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy, presenting good postoperative course. After four years evolution, there was no local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Tireoidectomia vídeo assistida: experiência de 120 casos / Video-assisted thyroidectomy: experience in 120 cases

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar o resultado da experiência de 120 casos operados pela mesma equipe, fazendo uso da técnica vídeo-assistida. MÉTODO: Entre setembro de 2004 e fevereiro de 2006 foram realizadas 120 tireoidectomias video-assistidas, sendo 119 em pacientes do sexo feminino e um em paciente do sexo masculino. A idade variou de 19 a 58 anos, com média de 34. O procedimento foi indicado para pacientes com suspeita de malignidade, na ausência de tireoidite, cirurgia anterior sobre a glândula tireóide ou radioterapia prévia, em glândulas com tamanho ultrassonográfico inferior a 20cc e nódulos com até 3cm de diâmetro. RESULTADOS: O tempo de operação variou entre 25 e 180 minutos, com tempo médio de 85 minutos para tireoidectomia total e 59 para parcial. O tamanho da cicatriz variou de 1,6 a 3,5cm, com média de 2,5cm. São relatadas quatro conversões. O índice de disfonia relatado foi de 5,8 por cento. Não houve nenhum caso de hipoparatireoidismo ou hematoma. Todos os pacientes receberam alta no 1° dia de pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: A tireoidectomia video-assistida é uma nova forma de cirurgia sobre a tireóide, com índice de complicações comparável à técnica convencional, parecendo haver vantagem no que diz respeito ao tamanho da cicatriz cirúrgica e evolução pós-operatória. Outros fatores como tempo de operação, custo e exeqüibilidade em nosso meio necessitam de maior número de casos para uma avaliação mais criteriosa.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this paper is to describe a 120 cases experience in the video-assisted technique, performed by the same surgical team. METHODS: Between september 2004 and february 2006, 120 video-assisted thyroidectomies has been performed - 119 females and 1 male. Age: 19 - 58, median 34 years. Indications: suspicion of malignancy, without any cervical surgery, radiotherapy, thyroid volume under 20 cc and nodules under 3 cm. RESULTS: Surgery time: 25 - 180, median time 85 minutes for total and 59 minutes for parcial thyroidectomy. The incision: 1,6 - 3,5cm, median 2,5cm. Four conversions to conventional technique are related. Nerve palsy was observed in 5,8 percent. There was no hypoparathyroidism or hematoma in this series. All patients were released in the first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: The video assisted approach is a safe procedure, and its complication index is similar to the conventional technique, with advantages in incision size and postoperative evolution. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Profilaxia e terapeutica das infeccoes em cirurgia de cabeca e pescoco / Prophylaxis and treatment of infections in head and neck surgery

As infeccoes do pescoco sao apresentadas de forma didatica: infeccoes pos-operatorias, infeccoes dos espacos cervicais profundos, sialoadenites e infeccoes de cistos congenitos. Esses processos devem ser prontamente tratados em virtude das altas morbidade e mortalidade a eles associadas. A profilaxia das infeccoes pos-operatorias e seu tratamento sao tambem apresentados

Fatores prognósticos em carcinoma espinocelular de lábio inferior: estudo retrospectivo / Prognostic factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip: retrospective study

Análise retrospectiva de 58 prontuários de portadores de carcinoma espinocelular do lábio inferior, atendidos no período de janeiro de 1980 a dezembro de 1989, no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Säo Paulo. Além dos dados demográficos, foram considerados o uso de álcool, fumo e a exposiçäo solar, assim como o estado clínico na época da cirurgia, as características macroscópicas dos tumores, o tipo de tratamento instituído e as observaçöes do seguimento pós-operatório. Os espécimens cirúrgicos foram submetidos a minuciosa revisäo anátomo-patológica com análise do grau de diferenciaçäo histológica, espessura máxima tumoral, elastose solar, invasöes perineural, vascular e muscular, margens cirúrgicas, infiltrado inflamatório peritumoral e acometimento glanglionar, com ou sem rotura capsular. A análise da sobrevida global em 5 anos demonstrou valor prognóstico significativo para as seguintes variáveis: espessura tumoral, tamanho da neoplasia (T) e acometimento ganglionar