Invisible-scar endoscopic thyroidectomy by the dorsal approach

Endoscopic cephalic access thyroid surgery (EndoCATS) using the retroauricular approach - a single centre retrospective data analysis

BACKGROUND

Due to improvements in endoscopic as well as robotic technology, and a request for better cosmetic results, there was a significant increase in thyroid surgery using these methods during the past decade.

METHODS

The aim of our study is to evaluate the perioperative short- and long-term outcome as well as the learning curve of EndoCATS and the Quality of Life (QoL).

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients with 152 hemithyroidectomies who underwent endoscopic thyroid surgery by EndoCATS between 2010 and 2016 were enrolled in this study. The mean specimen volume was 15.04 g ± 7.89 g. The mean operation time was 132.79 ± 50.52 min. There is a significant reduction of the operation time after the 53th case. (p < 0.05) There was no acute rebleeding or permanent hypoparathyroidism. Permanent RLN palsy occurred in 3 nerves at risk (NAR) 1.97%. There were no cases of pneumothorax, postoperative infections or skin flap ischemia. 94.11% of the patients describe their state of general health as good as or better than before the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

EndoCATS is a safe and effective, but a demanding single port access procedure; therefore, extensive training is required. An advantage is the near ideal visualization of the RLN and the parathyroid glands as well as the ability to recover even large specimens without difficulties.

Transoral thyroid surgery vestibular approach: does size matter anymore?

BACKGROUND

Various approaches for endoscopic and minimally invasive thyroid operations have been reported, with some becoming popular to date. The aim of these procedures is to reduce and prevent visible scars in the neck. This led to the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) technique applicable in small thyroid specimen. To amend TOETVA and to broaden the indication for transoral thyroid surgery, our aim was to combine the TOETVA with the retroauricular endoscopic cephalic access thyroid surgery (EndoCATS) facelift approach.

METHODS

After successful implementation of the TOETVA technique in 2017, we evaluated the transoral technique regarding feasibility and safety in well-selected patients in Germany and Austria. With the combination of TOETVA and EndoCATS, we were able to optimize the extraction process of the specimen by avoiding damage to the thyroid capsule and to broaden the indication of transoral surgery by operating on thyroid glands with higher volume. Patients' characteristics, surgical outcome and complications were determined.

RESULTS

Seventy-one transoral procedures were performed in 70 patients. The TOETVA procedure was performed in 60 patients, and 10 female patients underwent TOVARA with transoral thyroid lobe mobilization and removal of the specimen via the retroauricular access. Overall, median operation time was 205 min (range 96-370 min) and permanent RLNP rate was 1% accordant to 99 nerves at risk (39 hemithyroidectomies, 29 total thyroidectomies, 2 parathyroid resections, and 1 thyroglossal cyst resection). No conversion to conventional open surgery was necessary. Long-term mental nerve injury occurred in two patients. No infection was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Transoral thyroid and parathyroid surgery via the vestibular approach is both feasible and safe in Western Europe. The combination of the TOETVA with the retroauricular endoscopic cephalic access thyroid surgery (EndoCATS) facelift approach, called TOVARA, is a promising opportunity to allow for thyroid surgery without a visible scar in specimen with volume of more than 40 ml also.

Subxyphoid thyroidectomy: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

The cultural desire to avoid cervical incisions and increasing concern for cosmetic outcomes has motivated surgeons to develop alternative approaches to thyroid surgery. The Direct Drive Endoscopic System (DDES) platform combines a flexible endoscope with a pair of separately controlled articulating instruments through a single, flexible, access system. We hypothesized that the DDES platform would permit single-incision minimally invasive thyroid lobectomy without robotic assistance.

METHODS

This is a single-cadaver feasibility study. A single, 2.2-cm subxyphoid incision was used for access. The platform's 55-cm flexible sheath was secured to the operating table rails and introduced into the subcutaneous space. A flexible pediatric endoscope was simultaneously introduced with 2 interchangeable 4-mm instruments. Blunt dissection and electrocautery were used to create the tunnel in the otherwise free central plane. The thyroid was dissected using a superior to inferior technique while maintaining the critical steps of traditional thyroid surgery. A Veress needle introduced through the lateral neck provided additional retraction.

RESULTS

The total operating time was 2.5 hours. The subcutaneous tunnel was safe and accommodated the DDES well. Visualization was adequate. Graspers, scissors, and hook cautery were used to complete the lobectomy. The ergonomics, articulation, and strength of the instrumentation were sufficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Subxyphoid thyroidectomy is technically possible and avoids the difficulties inherent to a transaxillary approach while still avoiding cosmetically unappealing cervical scars. Continued technological refinement will only expand the therapeutic possibilities of flexible endoscopy while minimizing the physical insult to patients and maximizing aesthetics for patients.

Robotic surgery in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery: a review

Recent advancements in robotics technology have allowed more complex surgical procedures to be performed using minimally invasive approaches. In this article, we reviewed the role of robotic assistance in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. We highlight the advantages of robot-assisted surgery and its clinical application in this field.