Endoscopic neck surgery by the axillary approach

The evolution of robotic thyroidectomy: from inception to neck dissection

Over the past decade, the application of surgical robotics is bringing about dramatic changes in various surgical fields. Robotic thyroidectomy has achieved safe and accurate management of thyroid disease with remarkable cosmetic and functional benefits. As experiences with robotic techniques accumulate, its indications will expand to include more advanced cases with higher levels of difficulty.

Minimal access surgery - thyroid and parathyroid

The concept of surgical invasiveness cannot be limited to the length or to the site of the skin incision. It must be extended to all structures dissected during the procedure. Therefore, MIT or MIP should properly be defined as operations through a short and discrete incision that permits direct access to the thyroid or parathyroid gland, resulting in a focused dissection.Parathyroid glands are particularly suitable for minimally invasive surgery as most parathyroid tumors are small and benign. MIP are performed through a limited or discrete incision when compared to classic open transverse cervical incision and are targeted on one specific parathyroid gland. The concept of these limited explorations is based on the fact that 85% of patients will have single-gland disease. MIP must be proposed only for patients with sporadic hyperparathyroidism in whom a single adenoma has been clearly localized by preoperative imaging studies.The minimal access approaches to the thyroid gland may be broadly classified into three groups: the mini-open lateral approach via a small incision, minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy via the midline and various endoscopic techniques. Endoscopic extracervical approaches have the main advantage of leaving no scar in the neck but cannot reasonably be described as minimally invasive as they require more dissection than conventional open surgery.Initially the indications for MIT were a solitary thyroid nodule of less than 3 cm in diameter in an otherwise normal gland. Today, MIT are also proposed in patients with small nodular goiters, Graves's diseases and low risk papillary thyroid cancers. Some concern remains about the radicality of MIT in this latter group but preliminary results are comparable to those of conventional surgery both in terms of I-131 uptake and serum thyroglobuline levels.Demonstrating the advantages of MIT and MIP over conventional surgery is not easy. Main complications, such as nerve injury, hypoparathyroidism, or hemorrhage, are the same as in conventional surgery. Several studies comparing conventional surgery with minimally invasive techniques using a cervical access have shown a diminution of postoperative pain, and better cosmetic results with minimally invasive techniques. MIP and MIT seem overall to be an advance but only randomized studies will demonstrate the real benefit.

A comparison of surgical outcomes between endoscopic and robotically assisted thyroidectomy: the authors' initial experience

Background

The gasless, transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy (GTET) offers a distinct advantage over the conventional open operation by leaving no visible neck scar, and in an attempt to improve its ergonomics and surgical outcomes, the robotically assisted thyroidectomy (RAT) was introduced. The RAT uses the same endoscopic route as the GTET but with the assistance of the da Vinci S robotic system. Excellent results for RAT have been reported, but it remains unclear whether RAT offers any potential benefits over GTET.

Methods

From June to December 2009, 46 patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy. Of these patients, 39 had surgery without the robot (GTET) and 7 had surgery with the robot (RAT). Demographics, surgical indications, operative findings, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. All the patients were followed up for at least 6 months after surgery.

Results

Patient demographics, surgical indications, and extent of resection were similar between the two groups. The median total procedure time was significantly longer for RAT (149 min) than for GTET (100 min; p = 0.018), but the contralateral recurrent laryngeal nerve was more likely to identified in RAT (100%) than in GTET (42.9%; p = 0.070). On the average, GTET needed one more surgical assistant than RAT (1 vs. 0; p < 0.001). The median pain score on postoperative day 0 was significantly higher with RAT than with GTET (4 vs. 2; p = 0.025) but was similar on day 1. Blood loss, hospital stay, and surgical complications were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

In our early experience, adding the da Vinci S robot to GTET increased the total procedure time and resulted in a higher pain score on day 0 but eliminated the need for any surgical assistant at the time of the operation.

Endoscopic transaxillary approach for congenital muscular torticollis

BACKGROUND

Surgical correction of the congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is recommended for patients with unsuccessful conservative treatment. Open operative techniques all leave noticeable scars. We proposed a modified endoscopic 1-trocar transaxillary and neck microincision approach for the treatment of CMT.

METHODS

Endoscopic release of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle was performed in 45 infants and children aged 6 months to 15 years. One 5-mm incision was made in the anterior axillary fold, and a subcutaneous tunnel over the clavicular and sternal heads of the SCM muscle was made. A subcutaneous space was established by CO₂ inflation at a pressure of 8 mm Hg and then endoscopically using a 5-mm endoscope. Two additional 1.5- to 2-mm supraclavicular mini-incisions were made beside the SCM muscle for the introduction of miniforceps and electrocautery, respectively. The sternal and clavicular attachments were dissected and divided by electrocautery. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Lee scoring system.

RESULTS

The operation was successfully completed endoscopically in all 45 children. The mean operative time was 40 minutes. No injuries of major blood vessels or nerves were encountered. A small bleed was noted in 1 child owing to reoperation. Follow-up for 6 months to 3 years in 42 patients showed complete muscular release and satisfactory cosmetic appearance with no recurrence. The results were classified as excellent in 88.1% (37/42), good in 9.5% (4/42), fair in 2.4% (1/42), and poor in 0 using the Lee scoring system. The neck scars were not visible 1 month after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The subcutaneous endoscopic transaxillary and micro-neck incision approach for the treatment of CMT is a safe, practical procedure that provides good functional and cosmetic outcomes without vascular or neural injury.

Prevalence, risk factors, and management of seroma formation after breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy (BAET) allows surgeons to remove a thyroid tumor from a remote site while providing a scarless cosmetic appearance in the neck. However, seroma formation after subcutaneous dissection could lead to flap detachment, incision dehiscence, and wound infection. Chronic formation of seromas could substantially compromise the esthetic outcome of BAET. We evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and treatments of seroma after BAET.

METHODS

A total of 344 patients who underwent BAET between 2001 and 2008 at our institution were recruited; data were collected prospectively. The characteristics and outcomes of patients who developed seromas were compared with those of patients who did not. Regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for seroma formation. The frequency and volume of aspirations were noted until the seroma went into remission.

RESULTS

The overall postoperative prevalence of seroma formation was 2.9%. There was a significant difference in seroma formation based on age, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), and area of subcutaneous dissection space (ASDS). Percutaneous aspiration alone or combined with external compression was extremely effective. The frequency and total volume of aspirations were 1-7 and 6-120 ml, respectively. As a result of prolonged seroma formation, one patient developed an expanding pseudo-bursa that created a tumor-like effect in the anterior chest wall.

CONCLUSIONS

Seroma formation was an uncommon minor complication after BAET. Four independent etiologic factors could predispose patients to postoperative seroma formation. Percutaneous aspiration appeared to be very effective. Prolonged seroma formation followed by development of a pseudo-bursa could be very problematic and could substantially impair the esthetic effect of BAET.

The minimally invasive effect of breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy: an expert's experience

We evaluated the invasiveness of breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy (BAET) carried out by surgeon very experienced in this procedure. Twenty-four patients who underwent BAET and 19 patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy were the study population. Postoperative pain was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS). The values 2, 12, and 24  h after surgery were significantly lower in the BAET group than those in the conventional group. Serum IL-6 and CRP levels were measured by an ELISA preoperatively and at 2, 12, 24 and 48  h after operation. Their values increased significantly after both procedures when compared to preoperative levels with significant differences between the two groups detected at the 24-hour and 48-hour time points. Subjective and objective evidence supported the notion that BAET could become a minimally invasive procedure if the surgeon gained sufficient experience.

Transoral endoscopic neck surgery: feasibility and safety in a porcine model based on the example of thymectomy

BACKGROUND

In anatomical studies and cadaver dissections, we developed an endoscopic transoral access to the anterior neck region to reduce surgical access trauma. Through a sublingual trocar and two additional trocars in the vestibule of the oral cavity, the pretracheal and thyroid region was reached with standard laparoscopic instruments.

METHODS

We conducted an experimental trial in five pigs under general anesthesia to estimate the safety and feasibility of the method; via this approach, the thymus was partially resected. Perioperative antibiotics were administered but analgesics were not given in the postoperative course. Oral intake and behavior were observed during the following 2 days. After necropsy, examination of the access route took place by means of dissections. The tissue surrounding the working trocar was histologically examined.

RESULTS

The pretracheal region could be reached without a problem and the procedure was performed almost "bloodlessly" in an anatomically defined layer. The intervention time decreased successively. Postoperative awakening was uneventful. Regular oral food intake was observed after 2-3 h. Pain reactions were not registered during the entire postoperative phase. After dissection, all relations appeared inconspicuous (no infections, fresh/old hematoma). Two local encapsulated seromas were observed. Histologically, only a mild tissue reaction was noted.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the endoscopic transoral approach to minimally invasive neck surgery seemed safe and feasible. Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures in the anterior neck region could be a possible application of this new approach.

Evaluation of postoperative pain after minimally invasive video-assisted and conventional thyroidectomy: results of a prospective study. ESES Vienna presentation

BACKGROUND

One of the advocated benefits of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is reduction of postoperative pain. We compared in a prospective study pain after video-assisted and conventional thyroidectomy (CT).

METHODS

One hundred sixty-nine patients (56 men, 113 women, mean age: 50 ± 14 years) operated between November 2007 and February 2008 were included. MIVAT was performed if thyroid volume was <30 ml or the nodule diameter < 35 mm. Postoperative pain scores were documented on a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 = no and 100 = unbearable pain) at 8, 24, 36, and 48 h after surgery. Additionally, postoperative analgesic consumption was registered.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients (17 men, 58 women, mean age: 45 ± 15 years) underwent MIVAT and 94 (39 men, 55 women, mean age: 54 ± 15 years) CT. The mean overall VAS score at 8, 24, 36 and 48 h did not significantly differ between the groups (26 ± 21 vs. 26 ± 19 at 8 h, 17 ± 15 vs. 21 ± 18 at 24 h, 11 ± 13 vs. 10 ± 11 at 36 h and 7 ± 12 vs. 6 ± 8 at 48 h in MIVAT and CT group, respectively) [p = ns]. Twelve vs. 13 patients (16% vs. 14%) required opioid administration on the day of the operation [p = ns].

CONCLUSIONS

The length of the skin incision seems not to influence the perception of pain after thyroid surgery.

Minimally invasive thyroidectomy in the treatment of well differentiated thyroid cancers: indications and limits

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize recent papers in the literature with respect to minimally invasive thyroidectomy and discuss indications and limits of the endoscopic/video-assisted treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

RECENT FINDINGS

During the 1990s, with the general tendency to develop minimally invasive operations, an endoscopic approach was applied to neck surgery for both parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy. The most wide spread minimally invasive technique for thyroidectomy is minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT).

SUMMARY

Papillary carcinoma is the main indication for MIVAT, this cancer usually being found in normal glands of young women. In contrast, for locally invasive carcinomas, lymph node metastasis or both, the procedure must be immediately converted to the conventional technique. MIVAT also is not indicated for the treatment of medullary and anaplastic carcinomas. Recent prospective randomized studies clearly demonstrate that MIVAT allows the same clearance to be achieved at the thyroid bed level and the same outcome as with the conventional technique, when dealing with 'low-risk' papillary carcinoma. At the same time, patients can benefit from the main advantages of this minimally invasive technique: less postoperative pain, faster postoperative recovery and excellent cosmetic outcome.

[Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy. Part 1: rationale and anatomical studies]

BACKGROUND

Surgical access trauma in thyroidectomy has been minimized by the adoption of minimally invasive techniques. Extracervical approaches moved the incision lines outside of the visible neck region. However, because of the extensive dissection they no longer comply with the term minimally invasive. Therefore, our goal was to reduce the access trauma and establish a non-traumatic approach according to surgical planes for endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy: the transoral approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a preclinical investigation anatomical dissection was performed on three human cadavers to visualize anatomical relationships and identify safe zones of access to the anterior neck and the submandibular regions. The investigation focused on relevant vascular and neural structures in the floor of mouth. Endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy was additionally performed in five specimens with anatomical dissections for the evaluation of collateral damage.

RESULTS

For a safe approach the optic trocar can be placed sublingually in the midline as there are no relevant vascular or neural structures on the way to the thyroid region. The working trocars can be placed bilaterally in the oral vestibule behind the canine teeth. In this way access and dissection plane are placed directly in an avascular subplatysmal area and the pretracheal working space can be reached easily, safe and fast.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimum impact and a gentle dissection according to anatomical planes are the rational for the transoral route to the thyroid gland. Thus based on anatomical dissections the foundations of a novel procedure in the context of natural orifice surgery (NOS) could be established.

Feasibility and surgical approach of transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy without CO(2) insufflation

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to evaluate the anatomic basis for robotic-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy and to determine its feasibility in a prospective clinical trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the da Vinci Surgical Robotic System, we performed 5 cadaveric dissections, via transaxillary approach without gas insufflation. Once the safety and feasibility of this approach had been demonstrated in cadavers, it was utilized to perform a thyroid lobectomy in a patient. The da Vinci system provided excellent visualization of the recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves, parathyroid glands, and paratracheal lymphatics. After the 5 cadaver dissections, the procedure time diminished from >90 minutes to <30 minutes.

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy is feasible with proper instrumentation and an understanding of the surgical anatomy. Based on this preclinical laboratory study and our experience in 1 patient, further evaluation of this approach in the setting of a prospective clinical trial is warranted to determine standardized criteria identifying patients who would benefit from this approach.

Minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid operations: surgical techniques and pearls

With advances in technology and greater demand for minimally invasive procedures, novel minimally invasive approaches to thyroid and parathyroid glands increasingly have been described and practiced worldwide. For the MIT approaches, the direct/cervical approaches truly can be considered minimally invasive, as they require less surgical dissection than the conventional thyroidectomy. The indirect/extracervical approaches, however, only can be considered endoscopic, however, because they generally do require greater surgical dissection. Still, among the indirect/extracervical approaches, the axillary approach appears the preferred choice, as it requires the least amount of dissection while offering the advantage of being scarless in the neck. The addition of the robot such as the de Vinci surgical system could make some of the extracervical approaches technically less challenging and improve patient outcomes. Unlike MIT, MIP has become the standard approach for surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism caused by localized solitary parathyroid adenoma.

Transaxillary totally endoscopic robot-assisted ansa cervicalis to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation for repair of unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Pediatric unilateral vocal-fold paralysis represents a source of significant morbidity, for which treatment options are quite limited. Conventional management strategies suitable for adults are not appropriate for the developing larynx. In this study, we report the first experience with minimally invasive laryngeal reinnervation. While open techniques for pediatric recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation have been performed, these require large, visible incisions, which limit the appeal of this technique. The transaxillary endoscopic approach to the neck significantly reduces pain and recovery time from cervical surgery. In this study, we report the feasibility of transaxillary totally endoscopic robot-assisted laryngeal reinnervation for unilateral vocal-fold paralysis. Operative time was less than 3 hours, and patients were discharged the day of surgery. No postoperative narcotics were required. Initial results are favorable.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid cancer: a 1-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

There are few reports on the use of minimally invasive video assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) technique in the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2007 to September 2007, we treated 227 patients for benign or malignant diseases with a total thyroidectomy. We have selected 68 cases consecutively treated for thyroid carcinoma with a total thyroidectomy. The inclusion criteria considered the patients treated with conventional thyroidectomy and the patients treated with the MIVAT. Our follow-up examination was conducted in agreement with the guidelines of the European Consensus Conference.

RESULTS

We have identified a first group of cases; group A, which stored the cases treated with the MIVAT technique. This group contained 9 males and 27 females; the median age was 49.69+/-9.26 years. Group B contained 6 males and 26 females treated with the conventional thyroidectomy; the median age was 44.15+/-11.73 years. The postoperative pain at 24 hours after the surgical procedure in A group was 1.033+/-0.87, whereas in B group it was 1.915+/-1.24 (P<0.05).The neoplastic node diameter was 13.31+/-6.31 mm in group A and 16.36+/-8.15 mm in group B (P=ns). All of the patients were treated with radioiodine. The value of thyroglobulin after 12 months in group A was 0.648+/-0.2 ng/mL whereas the value was 0.705+/-0.2 ng/mL in group B (P=ns).

DISCUSSION

We think that MIVAT for the right cases is a safe and valid surgical procedure for differentiated thyroid cancer. This technique has a challenging learning curve, and the surgeons must be experts in conventional thyroid surgery.

Robotic thyroid surgery using a gasless, transaxillary approach and the da Vinci S system: the operative outcomes of 338 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Recently, robotic technology in the surgical area has gained wide popularity. However, in the filed of head and neck surgery, the applications of robotic instruments are problematic owing to spatial and technical limitations. The authors performed robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid operations in consecutive thyroid tumor patients using the newly introduced da Vinci S surgical system. Herein the authors describe the technique used and its utility for the operative management of thyroid tumors.

METHODS

From October 2007 to November 2008, 338 patients underwent robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid operations using a gasless, transaxillary approach. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to an open procedure. Patient's clinicopathologic characteristics, operation types, operation times, the learning curve, and postoperative hospital stays and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 40 years (range, 16-69) and the male to female ratio was 1:16.8. Two hundred and thirty-four patients underwent less than total and 104 underwent bilateral total thyroidectomy. Ipsilateral central compartment node dissection was conducted in all malignant cases. Mean operation time was 144.0 minutes (range, 69-347) and mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.3 days (range, 2-7). No serious postoperative complication occurred; there were 3 cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and 1 of Horner's syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Our technique of robotic thyroid surgery using a gasless, transaxillary approach is feasible and safe in selected patients with a benign or malignant thyroid tumor.

Minimally invasive neck surgery. Surgical feasibility and physiological effects of carbon dioxide insufflation in a unilateral subplatysmal approach

Endoscopically assisted, minimally invasive techniques to regions without a natural cavity require insufflation with carbon dioxide (CO2). In the neck region this may impair hemodynamics, blood gas homoeostasis, cerebral blood circulation and increase the intracranial pressure. An exclusively endoscopic unilateral subplatysmal approach to the submandibular region was investigated in nine mini-pigs randomized to three groups. On both neck sides, within a 14 day interval, the subplatysmal space was inflated with CO2 at 10 mmHg, 20 mmHg (1.33/2.66 x 10 (3)Pa) or 20 mmHg (2.66 x 10 (3)Pa) combined with mechanical suspension. Data for hemodynamic and blood gas parameters, gas volumes, and intracranial pressure were obtained preoperatively, 30 min after onset and 10 min postopeatively. In a pocket created by insufflation of 20 mmHg (2.66 x 10 (3)Pa), exposition and resection of the submandibular gland were accomplished easily. The elevation procedure had technical disadvantages. The mean operation time was 48.9 min. Unilateral subplatysmal carbon dioxide insufflation of the submandibular neck region up to 20 mmHg (2.66 x 10 (3)Pa) did not affect physiological parameters. As an exclusive endoscopical approach for unilateral surgery of the submandibular region, the use of inflation pressures of up to 20 mmHg (2.66 x 10 (3)Pa) might be considered.

Robot-assisted endoscopic surgery for thyroid cancer: experience with the first 100 patients

BACKGROUND

Various robotic surgical procedures have been performed in recent years, and most reports have proved that the application of robotic technology for surgery is technically feasible and safe. This study aimed to introduce the authors' technique of robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery and to demonstrate its applicability in the surgical management of thyroid cancer.

METHODS

From 4 October 2007 through 14 March 2008, 100 patients with papillary thyroid cancer underwent robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach. This novel robotic surgical approach allowed adequate endoscopic access for thyroid surgeries. All the procedures were completed successfully using the da Vinci S surgical robot system. Four robotic arms were used with this system: a 12-mm telescope and three 8-mm instruments. The three-dimensional magnified visualization obtained by the dual-channel endoscope and the tremor-free instruments controlled by the robotic systems allowed surgeons to perform sharp and precise endoscopic dissections.

RESULTS

Ipsilateral central compartment node dissection was used for 84 less-than-total and 16 total thyroidectomies. The mean operation time was 136.5 min (range, 79-267 min). The actual time for thyroidectomy with lymphadenectomy (console time) was 60 min (range, 25-157 min). The average number of lymph nodes resected was 5.3 (range, 1-28). No serious complications occurred. Most of the patients could return home within 3 days after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach is a feasible, safe, and effective method for selected patients with thyroid cancer. The authors suggest that application of robotic technology for endoscopic thyroid surgeries could overcome the limitations of conventional endoscopic surgeries in the surgical management of thyroid cancer.

Endoscopic parathyroidectomy: why and when?

BACKGROUND

In recent years, several new minimally invasive techniques for parathyroidectomy (MIP) have been developed. There was a rapid worldwide acceptance of mini-open procedures by most surgeons. However, the use of an endoscope remains debatable. This study was designed to determine the role of preoperative imaging studies in the decision-making for using an endoscope during MIP.

METHODS

All patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and candidate for MIP underwent localizing studies. MIP was proposed only for patients in whom a single adenoma was localized by both ultrasonography and sestamibi scanning. Three locations were described: (1) posterior to the two superior thirds of the thyroid lobe; (2) at the level of or below the inferior pole of the thyroid lobe but in a plane posterior to it; (3) at the level of or below the tip of the inferior pole of the thyroid lobe but in a superficial plane. In locations 1 and 2, the nerve was considered to be at risk and an endoscopic lateral approach was indicated. In location 3, a mini-open approach was indicated.

RESULTS

Of the 165 patients operated on for PHPT in 2006, 86 underwent MIP. According to the results of imaging studies, 39 patients presented an adenoma in location 1, 21 in location 2, and 26 in location 3. In locations 1 and 2, 59 patients (1 false-positive) had an adenoma that was located posteriorly, in close proximity to the nerve; all were cured. In location 3, 25 patients (1 false-positive) presented an inferior parathyroid adenoma superficially located; all were cured. There was no transient or permanent laryngeal nerve palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who are candidates for MIP, we recommend the use of the endoscope for the resection of parathyroid adenomas that are located deeply in the neck.

Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy using trans-axillary approach; surgical outcome of 581 patients

PURPOSE

During the past decade, various techniques of endoscopic thyroid surgery have been introduced. We have developed a novel method of gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via an axillary approach. The present report describes the technique of this method, and analyzes its surgical outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between Nov. 2001 and Dec. 2007 (actual operation period was 50 months), 581 patients with thyroid tumors underwent gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via an axillary approach. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients, operation type, operation time, post operative hospital stay and post operative complications were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among the 581 patients, 171 patients had benign tumor and 410 patients had malignant tumor. There was no conversion to open surgery. The operating time and the length of post-operative hospital stay were 129.4+/-51.3 minutes, 3.3+/-1.7 days in benign tumor, and 135.5+/-47 minutes, 3.4+/-0.9 days in malignant tumors, respectively. The tumor size was 2.7+/-1.2 cm in benign tumor and 0.78+/-0.5 cm in malignancy. Central compartment lymph node metastasis was found in 112 (27.3%) patients and lateral neck lymph node metastasis in 13 (3.1%) patients. As post-operative complications, transient hypocalcemia occurred in 19 patients and transient hoarseness was in 13 patients and permanent vocal cord palsy occurred in 2 patients. In the TNM stage, 366 (89.2%) patients were stage I, 43 (10.5%) patients were stage III and 1 (0.2%) patient was stage IVA.

CONCLUSION

According to our experience, gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy using a trans-axillary approach is a feasible and safe method. Endoscopic thyroid surgery has become a new treatment modality for the patients with benign tumors and can be an effective alternative treatment for the selected patients with thyroid cancer.

Video-assisted thyroidectomy performed in a one-day surgery setting

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Evidence base data have demonstrated that video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT) has good results regarding safety, morbidity, patient cure rate, pain and cosmesis. Aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of VAT in an ambulatory setting (i.e. one-day surgery, <24-h stay).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2007 and July 2008, 43 patients underwent VAT in a one-day surgery division. Patient selection criteria for VAT were: thyroid nodules <30 mm, gland volume <20 ml, no history of thyroiditis or neck surgery or irradiation, "low risk" papillary carcinoma and absence of enlarged lymph nodes. One-day surgery patient selection criteria were medical and social logistic (Materazzi G, et al. Eur Surg Res 2007;39:182-8). Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was used for RLN identification. Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were determined early postoperatively at +6-h. Postoperative complications, conversion rate were analyzed.

RESULTS

No cases required conversion to open surgery or ordinary recovery (i.e. >24h). Incidence of temporary hypoparathyroidism was 11.6% (5/43) with no case of symptomatic hypocalcemia. Incidence of temporary RLN injury was 2.3% (1 patient) with no case of permanent or bilateral RLN injury. All patients were satisfied with the type of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary report is an example of the safe incorporation between new technologies (IONM, early iPTH measurement) with improvement of the quality and safety of VAT performed in a one-day surgery setting.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease: an evidence-based review

BACKGROUND

A decade after nearly all surgical disciplines developed minimally invasive techniques, the first report of a single case of minimally invasive thyroidectomy was published. Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is now considered the most widely practiced and most easily reproducible minimally invasive procedure for thyroidectomy. The aim of this review was to analyze the treatment of benign thyroid diseases by MIVAT.

METHODS

A systematic evidence-based literature review focusing on three questions was carried out. Additional data were obtained on the basis of our personal experience. (1) Are minimally invasive procedures indicated in the treatment of thyroid diseases? (2) Is MIVAT a safe technique and what are the demonstrated advantages? (3) Since different thyroid diseases may be treated by MIVAT, is it of any value in the treatment of benign thyroid diseases?

RESULTS

MIVAT can be considered an appropriate treatment of some thyroid diseases; it represents a safe procedure with the same incidence of complications as traditional surgery, and also has advantages in terms of both cosmetic result and postoperative distress.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of an increasing trend toward performing more extensive procedures other than thyroidectomy alone during videoscopic procedures, the current literature seems to reaffirm that the main and safest indication for MIVAT is benign disease.

What is the evidence for endoscopic thyroidectomy in the management of benign thyroid disease?

Background

Endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) is a demanding surgical technique in which dissection of the gland is entirely performed with an endoscope, in a closed area maintained by insufflation or mechanical retraction. ET by direct cervical approach (anterior or lateral) is minimally invasive, but ET using an extracervical access (chest wall, breast, or axillary) is not. No technique seems to be universally accepted yet. This review was designed to clarify the existing evidence for performing endoscopic thyroid resections in the management of benign thyroid nodules.

Methods

A database search was conducted in PubMed and Embase from which summaries and abstracts were screened for relevant data, matching our definition. Publications were further assessed and assigned their respective levels of evidence. Additional data derived from our own unit’s experience with endoscopic thyroidectomy were included.

Results

Thirty mainly retrospective cohort studies have been published in which morbidity, such as unilateral vocal cord palsy, is poorly evaluated. ET takes from 90 to 280 minutes for lobectomy by cervical access and total thyroidectomy by chest wall approach, respectively. Cosmetic outcome in extracervical approach is less troubled by size of the resected specimen compared with direct cervical approach. Extracervical approach avoids a neck scar but implies invasiveness in terms of dissection and postoperative discomfort. Long-term cosmetic outcome comparisons with conventional thyroidectomy have not been published.

Conclusions

Currently it is not possible to recommend the application of ET based on evidence. Reported complications stress the importance of advanced endoscopic skills. ET should only be offered to carefully selected patients and, therefore, a high volume of patients requiring thyroid surgery is needed. Superiority of endoscopic to conventional thyroidectomy has yet to be demonstrated. Possible advantages of endoscopic thyroid techniques and our patient’s desire for the highest cosmetic outcome possible justify further development of ET in expert hands of endocrine surgeons.

The use of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system in minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT)

PURPOSE

Options for controlling hemostasis during endoscopic thyroid surgery include vessel clips and ultrasonic technology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system on the performance of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT).

METHODS

Between January 2006 and July 2007, 63 consecutive patients underwent MIVAT. The operative time, complications, and hospital stay were analyzed prospectively. As endoscopic instruments are important variables for incision length, the mini-incision was routinely measured at the end of the endoscopic procedure and compared with the initial standard approach (ie, 1.5 cm).

RESULTS

The mean operative time for lobectomy was 49.5 minutes (range, 39 to 120) and for total thyroidectomy 97.6 (59 to 130) minutes. No cases required conversion to open surgery and none involved significant intraoperative complications. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all procedures. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. At the end of the procedure, the mean length of the incision was not significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the utilization of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system for MIVAT is feasible and safe. A reduction of the rates for postoperative complications such as hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries was not possible to demonstrate in the present study.