Comparative study of gasless endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection via the anterior chest approach versus conventional open surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Cumulative sum analysis for evaluating learning curve of endoscopic lateral neck dissection

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic lateral neck dissection (LND) can be a scarless procedure if a surgeon has performed a sufficient number of operations to become skilled at the techniques involved. Here, we examine the learning curve for a surgeon who performed 53 endoscopic LND procedures via chest approach.

METHODS

Surgical outcomes for 53 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent endoscopic LND via chest approach between February 2017 and November 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgeon's learning curve was evaluated using a cumulative sum graphic model (CUSUM).

RESULTS

A CUSUM analysis was applied to 53 patients (10 males, 43 females) with a mean age of 41.4 y who underwent endoscopic LND via chest approach. The best model for the curve was determined to be a third-order polynomial equation as follows: CUSUMOT = - 0.007×patient number3-0.666×patient number2 + 55.721×patient number - 72.964. This equation has a high R2 value of 0.929. The peak operative time (OT) occurred at the 30th case. Consequently, the learning curve model was divided into two phases: phase 1 (1-30 cases) and phase 2 (31-53 cases). OT (307.9 ± 63.8 min vs. 232.4 ± 44.2 min, respectively; p < 0.001), blood loss (50 mL vs. 20 mL, respectively; p = 0.001), and complications (43.3% vs. 13.0%, respectively; p = 0.038) decreased significantly in phase 2 compared to phase 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The learning curve of endoscopic LND via chest approach was found to involve 30 cases. With greater experience, the surgery was completed with shorter OT and fewer complications. This approach may be an alternative for patients who desire cosmesis. Furthermore, the present data and experience insights regarding endoscopic LND via chest approach may help other surgeons to pass the learning phase more safely.

The clinical effect of endoscopic and open surgery in the treatment of thyroid cancer and their effect on the blood coagulation state: a comparative study

Purpose

This study was performed to compare the therapeutic efficacy of endoscopic surgery and open surgery and their effects on postoperative blood coagulation state in patients with thyroid cancer, and to provide evidence for the prevention measurement of thrombosis in the perioperative period.

Methods

One hundred patients with thyroid cancer who received treatment in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021, were randomly divided into an endoscopic group and an open surgery group, with 50 patients in each group. The patients in the open surgery group were treated by traditional open surgery, while patients in the endoscopic group accepted endoscopic surgery. The clinically therapeutic effect and blood coagulation of the 2 groups were compared.

Results

Intraoperative blood loss and length of hospital stay were lower, and operative time was longer in the endoscopic group than in the open surgery group (P < 0.05). The 24-hour postoperative fibrinogen and D-dimer levels were higher in both groups than in the preoperative period, while PT was shorter (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications and follow-up between the 2 groups (P > 0.05), but the incidence of complications, postoperative metastases, and thrombosis was relatively low in the endoscopic group.

Conclusion

In the treatment of patients with thyroid cancer, endoscopic surgery has the advantages of less blood loss, fewer complications, and so on. Endoscopic and open surgery can lead to a hypercoagulable state, but the effect of endoscopic surgery is better than that of open surgery.

Gasless Single-Incision Endoscopic Surgery via Subclavicular Approach for Lateral Neck Dissection in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer

BACKGROUND

The technical difficulties and trauma of remote access methods in endoscopic surgery (ES) for lateral neck dissection (LND) can be daunting for most patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and surgeons. The purpose of study was to introduce gasless single-incision ES via a subclavicular approach (ESSA) and to explore its safety and efficacy for LND.

METHODS

Between January 2022 and February 2023, we retrospectively reviewed 17 patients with PTC who underwent ESSA for LND. In addition, 22 patients who received video-assisted ES (VAES) and 48 patients who underwent open surgery (OP) for LND during the same period were included. Clinicopathological characteristics, complications, and efficacy of the lymph node yield (LNY) were compared between the ESSA and the other two groups (VAES and OP).

RESULTS

The LNY from central and lateral neck dissection by ESSA was comparable to that by VAES (9.2 ± 8.1 vs. 9.5 ± 4.2, P = 0.986, and 33.5 ± 11.6 vs. 30.6 ± 9.2, P = 0.382, respectively) and OP (9.2 ± 8.1 vs. 11.0 ± 5.4, P = 0.420, and 33.5 ± 11.6 vs. 31.5 ± 7.9, P = 0.383, respectively). Swallowing impairment scores at 1 and 3 months were significantly lower after ESSA than those after VAES (1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2, P = 0.003, and 0.9 ± 0.8 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8, P = 0.006, respectively). The cosmetic satisfaction rate 1 month after surgery was significantly higher in the ESSA group than that in the VAES group (100 vs. 31.8%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ESSA is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that provides a scarless cervical appearance and has good efficacy for LND. Therefore, ESSA may be a feasible choice for selected patients with N1b PTC with cervical cosmetic needs.

A scoping review of endoscopic and robotic techniques for lateral neck dissection in thyroid cancer

Introduction

Lateral neck dissection (LND) in thyroid cancer has traditionally been performed by a transcervical technique with a large collar incision. With the rise of endoscopic, video-assisted, and robotic techniques for thyroidectomy, minimally invasive LND is now being performed more frequently, with better cosmetic outcomes.

Methods

The purpose of this paper is to review the different minimally invasive and remote access techniques for LND in thyroid cancer. A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar search terms "thyroid cancer" and "lateral neck dissection" and "endoscopy OR robot OR endoscopic OR video-assisted".

Results

There are multiple surgical options now available within each subset of endoscopic, video-assisted, and robotic LND. The approach dictates the extent of the LND but almost all techniques access levels II-IV, with variability on levels I and V. This review provides an overview of the indications, contraindications, surgical and oncologic outcomes for each technique.

Discussion

Though data remains limited, endoscopic and robotic techniques for LND are safe, with improved cosmetic results and comparable oncologic and surgical outcomes. Similar to patient selection in minimally invasive thyroidectomy, it is important to consider the extent of the LND and select appropriate surgical candidates.

Surgical outcomes of endoscopic thyroidectomy approaches for thyroid cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Objectives

This network meta-analysis assesses the outcomes of seven endoscopic approaches, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in choosing the best method for thyroid cancer patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases up to March 2023. The analysis included seven endoscopic approaches, with a focus on their respective outcomes through network meta-analysis.

Results

This meta-analysis included 44 studies involving 8,672 patients. The axillo-bilateral breast approach (ABBA) and unilateral axillo-breast approach (UABA) showed advantages in terms of reduced operative time compared to other approaches (MD = 19.66 minutes, 95% CI = -31.66 to 70.98; MD = 30.32 minutes, 95% CI = -1.45 to 62.09, respectively). The UABA and anterior chest approach (ACA) exhibited superiority in controlling intraoperative bleeding (MD = -3.37 mL, 95% CI = -22.58 to 15.85; MD = -13.77 mL, 95% CI = -28.85 1.31, respectively). UABA and ACA also showed advantages in reducing hospital stays (MD = -0.39 days, 95% CI = -1.48 to 0.71; MD = -0.26 days, 95% CI = -1.33 to 0.81, respectively). The transoral approach (OA) yielded results comparable to those of conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) and outperformed other endoscopic surgeries with regards to lymph node retrieval and metastatic lymph node assessment. For the stimulated serum thyroglobulin (TG) levels, no significant difference was observed between bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) and OA compared to COT. However, chest-breast approach (CBA) showed significantly lower levels than COT (MD=-0.40 ng/ml, 95% CI =-0.72 to -0.09). Patients in the gasless unilateral transaxillary approach (GUA) group experienced a significant improvement in cosmetic satisfaction (MD=-2.08, 95% CI =-3.35 to -0.82). Importantly, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of surgical complications between endoscopic thyroidectomy and COT.

Conclusion

Endoscopic thyroid surgery is a safe and effective choice for thyroid cancer patients. Different approaches have their advantages, allowing personalized selection based on the patient's needs. ABBA and UABA have shorter operative times, while UABA and ACA excel at controlling bleeding and shortening hospital stays. OA shows promise for lymph node assessment. These findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting endoscopic methods, expanding treatment options for thyroid cancer patients.

A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study of Minimally Invasive Video-assisted Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to observe the effectiveness of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) in treating papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

METHODS

A total of 224 patients with PTMC who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from the Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2017 and December 2019. They were randomized into the MIVAT group or traditional open operation group. For both groups, we observed the number of lymph node dissections, amount of intraoperative blood loss, duration of the operation, length of the incision, and number of injuries to the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

RESULTS

The average operation time (132.8±29.4 min) in the MIVAT group was significantly higher than that in the open surgery group (83.8±14.29 min) ( P =0.026). The length of incision (2.8±0.6 cm) in patients in the MIVAT group was significantly shorter than that in patients in the open group (7.4±1.1 cm) ( P =0.000). No significant differences were observed in the number of lymph node dissections ( P =0.712), the amount of intraoperative bleeding ( P =0.581), and the number of recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries ( P =0.634). The average follow-up was 5 years, and both groups had no recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of PTMC, MIVAT had similar outcomes as traditional open operations, although the operation time was longer. However, the length of the incision was significantly shorter and thus provided cosmetic advantages for patients.

Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the anterior chest approach: the experience with 1500 cases

BACKGROUND

Conventional thyroidectomy leaves an eye-catching scar in the anterior neck region. Endoscopic thyroidectomy may achieve a better esthetic effect and improve quality of life postoperatively. The aim of this study was to undertake a complete review of a large cohort of the patients undergoing gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy (GET) via anterior chest approach (ACA) with a long-term follow-up period, and evaluate the results and limits of this procedure.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2022, 1413 patients undergoing GET via ACA in our department were included. The demographic, clinicopathological characteristics, oncologic and esthetic outcomes were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

The indication for surgery was papillary thyroid carcinoma in 686 (48.5%) patients and benign thyroid diseases in 727 (51.5%) patients. Among them, 802 (56.8%) patients took hemithyroidectomy, and 611 (43.2%) patients did sub-total/total thyroidectomy. Meanwhile, 598 (42.3%) ones had central neck dissection, while 88 (6.2%) lateral neck dissection. The most common complication was transient hypoparathyroidism with an incidence of 2.9%. During the follow-up period of 2 to 232 months, three patients were confirmed locoregional recurrence. Most of the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results.

CONCLUSION

Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest approach is a safe and feasible procedure, which could achieve excellent oncologic and esthetic outcomes.

Efficacy of parathyroid autotransplantation in endoscopic total thyroidectomy with CLND

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous parathyroid transplantation in laparoscopic total thyroidectomy combined with central lymph node dissection (CLND).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 152 patients admitted to the General Surgery Department of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital who underwent endoscopic total thyroidectomy combined with CLND from June 2018 to December 2021. The intraoperative parathyroid glands were divided into the orthotopic preservation group (non-transplantation group) and the immediate active autologous transplantation group (transplantation group) according to the different treatment management of parathyroid glands during operation. The levels of Ca2+ in parathyroid blood and the incidence of hypoparathyroidism were compared between the two groups before operation and 1 day, 3 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation.

Results

There was no significant difference in PTH between the preoperative transplantation group compared and the non-transplantation group (P>0.05); The PTH in the transplantation group was lower than that of the non-transplantation group 1 and 3 d after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); No statistically significant difference in PTH between patients in the transplantation group compared with those in the non-transplantation group at 1 week postoperatively (P>0.05); PTH was significantly higher in the transplant group than in the non-transplant group at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05); there was no statistically differences (P>0.05) in serum Ca2+ between the preoperative, 1d, 3d and 1 week postoperative transplantation group and the non-transplantation group; Blood Ca2+ was significantly higher in the transplant group than in the non-transplant group at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05); The rate of temporary hypoparathyroidism in the transplantion group was higher than that in the non-transplantion group, and the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism was lower than that in the non-transplantion group (P=0.044); There was no significant difference in the concentration of PTH in the cephalic vein of the elbow between the transplanted side and the non-transplanted side at 1 day and 3 days postoperatively (P>0.05); the concentration of PTH in cephalic vein of the elbow was significantly higher than that in non-transplanted side at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively (P<0.001); the number central area dissection and metastasis dissection in the transplantation group were significantly higher than those in the non-transplantation group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Most autologous parathyroid glands, having functional parathyroid autograft, is helpful to the occurrence of hypoparathyroidism after endoscopic total thyroidectomy with CLND, and it is an effective strategy to prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism, and more thorough area dissection is beneficial to the disease prognosis.

A novel hybrid approach for "Scarless" (at the neck) lateral neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case series and literature review

Lateral neck dissection (LND) is a necessary treatment for thyroid cancer with lateral lymph node metastasis. However, the defect created during open surgery leaves a visible scar on the neck. With advancements in surgical technology, many robotic and endoscopic surgical techniques have been reported as alternatives to open surgery. In this study, we present a case series demonstrating the successful application of a novel hybrid approach for endoscopic LND and a review of different surgical approaches for "scarless" (at the neck) LND. We performed endoscopic LND via a combined chest and transoral approach in 24 patients between January 2021 and March 2022. The surgery was completed successfully in all patients with an average operation time of 298.1 ± 72.9 min. The numbers of positive/retrieved lymph nodes at levels II, III-IV, and VI were 0.7 ± 0.9/8.4 ± 4.1, 3.6 ± 2.7/19.5 ± 6.8, and 4.9 ± 3.9/10.3 ± 4.5, respectively. Complications included transient hypoparathyroidism in 10 patients, transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in 1 patient, internal jugular vein (IJN) injury in 1 patient, IJN sacrifice due to cancer invasion in 1 patient, and chyle leak in 1 patient, and no cases of tumor recurrence were observed during follow-up. The present case series indicates that the combined chest and transoral approach is feasible and effective for performing LND. Our review of different approaches for "scarless" (at the neck) LND identified advantages and disadvantages for all techniques. Our novel approach has unique advantages, and thus, it can provide an ideal surgical procedure for specific papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy via the combined trans-oral and chest approach for cT1-2N1bM0 papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recent years there have been witnessed considerable advances in endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection (LND). However, dissection of lymph nodes at level IV and level VI via the chest approach is inherently challenging. In this study, we used combined trans-oral and chest approach for endoscopic thyroidectomy in patients with cT1-2N1bM0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

METHODS

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of ten patients with cT1-2N1bM0 PTC who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via combination of trans-oral and chest approach between September 2020 and September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

All 10 patients successfully underwent total thyroidectomy and selective LND via chest approach, while central neck dissection (CND) and supplementary dissection of lymph nodes at level IV were performed via the trans-oral approach. The mean number of positive/retrieved level II, III-IV, and VI lymph nodes were 0.6 ± 1.0/9.8 ± 5.0, 4.6 ± 2.8/23.1 ± 4.7, and 4.9 ± 3.4/10.3 ± 4.6, respectively. Four patients developed transient hypoparathyroidism which spontaneously resolved within 1 month. Five patients developed numbness of lateral neck and ear and one patient experienced limb lift restriction. No other complications or tumor recurrence occurred during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to perform total thyroidectomy, CND, and selective LND via combined trans-oral and chest approach, and satisfactory short-term outcomes were observed in this cohort. This approach may offer one more option for cT1-2N1bM0 PTC patients, especially those in whom metastatic lymph nodes at level IV or level VI are detected by preoperative examination.

Endoscopic lateral neck dissection via the breast and transoral approaches for papillary thyroid carcinoma: A preliminary report

PURPOSE

Complete lymph node dissection is essential for the management of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with lymph node metastasis (LNM). This work aimed to describe the feasibility of endoscopic lateral neck dissection via the breast and transoral approach (ELNDBTOA) in PTC patients and the necessity of the addition of the transoral approach.

METHODS

We included 13 patients with PTC and suspected lateral LNM who underwent ELNDBTOA at the Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University. Total thyroidectomy, ipsilateral central lymph node dissection, and selective neck dissection (levels IIA, IIB, III, and IV) were performed endoscopically via the breast approach. Residual lymph nodes were further dissected via the transoral approach.

RESULTS

The mean operation time was 362.1 ± 73.5 min. In the lateral neck compartments, the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 36.6 ± 23.8, and the mean number of positive lymph nodes was 6.8 ± 4.7. In further dissection via the transoral approach, lymph nodes in the lateral neck compartment were obtained in nine patients (9/13, 69.2%), and three patients (3/13, 23.1%) had confirmed lateral neck metastases. Transient hypocalcemia occurred in two patients (2/13, 15.4%), and three patients (3/13, 23.1%) developed transient skin numbness in the mandibular area. No other major complications were observed. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis during the follow-up period (range, 24-87 months). All patients were satisfied with the good cosmetic outcome.

CONCLUSION

ELNDBTOA is an option with proven feasibility for select PTC patients with LNM, and the addition of the transoral approach is necessary to ensure complete dissection.

Clinical Application of Pectoralis Nerve Block II for Flap Dissection-Related Pain Control after Robot-Assisted Transaxillary Thyroidectomy: A Preliminary Retrospective Cohort Study

Simple Summary

The main findings of the study are that pectoralis nerve block II (PECS II) may be a valuable analgesic option that alleviates flap dissection pain and stress during a robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy (RATT) and reduces opioid consumption in the early recovery phase. Patients who received PECS II experienced a more comfortable recovery and required fewer painkillers. PECS II may serve as a valuable new pain relief modality in addition to the multimodal analgesic strategy for patients undergoing RATT. Although we have yet to investigate the optimal block duration, regions of sensory loss, optimal technique, and possible complications, our preliminary study suggests that PECS II reduces flap dissection pain and thus promotes recovery. Appropriate analgesia during RATT remains challenging, but is a key issue for postoperative recovery. A further prospective investigation is required to validate our results and establish the optimal pain control regimen for patients undergoing RATT.

Abstract

Few studies have examined the clinical utility of ultrasonography-guided pectoralis nerve block II (PECS II) during wide flap dissection of a robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy (RATT). We assessed the ability of PECS II to reduce postoperative pain. We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients who underwent elective RATT from December 2021 to April 2022 at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital (Seoul, Korea). The patients were divided into a block group (n = 28, 50.9%) and no-block group (n = 27, 49.1%). Pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 4, 10, 20, 25, 35, and 45 h after surgery, and the requirements for rescue painkillers in the post-anesthesia care unit and ward were recorded. The VAS scores did not differ significantly between the two groups at 4 h postoperatively. The block group had significantly lower VAS scores at 10 and 25 h (p = 0.017 and p = 0.034, respectively). The block group required fewer painkillers in the post-anesthesia care unit than the no-block group, although the difference was not statistically significant in the ward. PECS II may serve as a new pain relief modality and valuable addition to the current multimodal analgesic strategy for patients undergoing RATT.

Qin's seven steps for endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection via the chest approach in patients with papillary thyroid cancer: experience of 35 cases

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic thyroidectomy is widely performed as it does not result in neck scar. However, there is a paucity of reports pertaining to completely endoscopic lateral neck dissection (LND). In this study, we introduce our step-wise approach for performing endoscopic selective LND via the chest-breast approach. We refer to this approach as Qin's seven steps.

METHODS

The Qin's seven steps are: (1) establishment of working space range; (2) dissection of lymph nodes between the SCM and the sternohyoid muscle (level IV) and exposure of omohyoid; (3) dissection of lymph nodes at level IV; (4) dissection of lymph nodes at level III; (5) dissection of lymph nodes at carotid triangle (level III); (6) exposure of accessory nerve and dissection of lymph nodes at level II a; (7) dissection of lymph nodes at level II b. We reviewed the clinical data of 35 patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who were operated using the Qin's seven steps.

RESULTS

All 35 patients successfully underwent LND; bilateral LND was performed in 5 patients. The mean tumor size was 1.8 ± 1.0 cm; seven patients had multiple lesions. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes in level II, III and IV were 8.8 ± 5.6, 6.1 ± 4.0 and 9.3 ± 5.1, respectively. As for complications, there were 3 cases of accessory nerve injury and 1 case of hypoglossal nerve injury. Internal jugular vein injury, cervical plexus injury and lymphatic leakage occurred in 2, 7, and 1 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Qin's seven steps for performing endoscopic selective LND could be safely used in PTC patients with lateral lymph node metastasis. Satisfactory results were achieved in the short-term follow-up period. We recommend the use of Qin's seven steps for PTC patients who are not desirous of neck scar.

Endoscopic Lateral Neck Dissection: A New Frontier in Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery

Background

Endoscopic thyroidectomy and robotic thyroidectomy are effective and safe surgical options for thyroid surgery, with excellent cosmetic outcomes. However, in regard to lateral neck dissection (LND), much effort is required to alleviate cervical disfigurement derived from a long incision. Technologic innovations have allowed for endoscopic LND, without the need for extended cervical incisions and providing access to remote sites, including axillary, chest-breast, face-lift, transoral, and hybrid approaches.

Methods

A comprehensive review of published literature was performed using the search terms "lateral neck dissection", "thyroid", and "endoscopy OR endoscopic OR endoscope OR robotic" in PubMed.

Results

This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding endoscopic LND, and it specifically addresses the following points: 1) the surgical procedure, 2) the indications and contraindications, 3) the complications and surgical outcomes, and 4) the technical advantages and limitations. Robotic LND, totally endoscopic LND, and endoscope-assisted LND are separately discussed.

Conclusions

Endoscopic LND is a feasible and safe technique in terms of complete resection of the selected neck levels, complications, and cosmetic outcomes. However, it is recommended to strictly select criteria when expanding the population of eligible patients. A formal indication for endoscopic LND has not yet been established. Thus, a well-designed, multicenter study with a large cohort is necessary to confirm the feasibility, long-term outcomes, oncological safety, and influence of endoscopic LND on patient quality of life (QoL).

Assessing National Utilization Trends and Outcomes of Robotic and Endoscopic Thyroidectomy in the United States

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate trends and outcomes of surgical approaches to thyroid surgery. We hypothesized that there have been changes over time in the utilization of approaches to thyroidectomy, including endoscopic, robotic, and open approaches, and that patient outcomes may differ between open surgery and endoscopic or robotic approaches.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried between 2010 and 2016.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

National cohort of patients. Descriptive statistics were performed using χ² test, Mann-Whitney U test, t test and analysis of variance. To investigate complication rates, patient matching was performed with subsequent analysis using simple and multivariable logistic regressions.

RESULTS

We identified 217,938 patients within the NCDB. While endoscopic thyroid surgery increased, relatively, in use over time (0.93% to 2.34% of cases in 2010 and 2016, respectively), robotic thyroid surgery started to decline relatively to other approaches from 2013 to 2016 (0.39% to 0.25% of cases, respectively). The endoscopic approach was performed more commonly than the robotic approach within individual facilities that have reported both procedures (P = .025). Robotic thyroid surgery was associated with increased risk of positive margins (P = .046), while endoscopic thyroid surgery was associated with a higher rate of unplanned hospital readmission (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.09-2.22), longer inpatient stays (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.19-2.02), and higher 90-day postoperative mortality (OR, 4.45; 95% CI, 1.58-12.6).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic thyroid surgery has increased in utilization since 2004 but may have worse morbidity and mortality outcomes compared to open surgery.