[The "pneumoneck" in videocervicoscopy: operative technique and anatomic limits]

The aim of this study was to describe a technic in order to create a gas space "pneumoneck" during videoendoscopic surgery of the neck and to determine the anatomical limits of this space. Data were based on a surgical experience and on the dissection of two corpses. This space was located between the two layers of the pre-tracheal lamina of the cervical fascia. This space was enclosed and favourable to detachment with insufflated gas without subcutaneous emphysema. This approach can be used for parathyroid and thyroid surgery.

[Is subtotal bilateral thyroidectomy still indicated in patients with Grave's disease?]

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the morbidity and the functional results of subtotal bilateral thyroidectomy in patients (TST) with Graves' disease.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A retrospective study was performed in 128 patients. They were 23 males and 105 females with a median age of 34 years (range: 14-68). Weight of remnant tissue was between 4 and 5 g. Thyroid functional status was evaluated, at 3 months and after a follow-up period ranged from 1 to 5 years, by measurement of serum concentration of free T4 and/or free T3 and TSH.

RESULTS

They were no post-operative death. Surgical complications were 2 vocal cord palsies and 17 hypocalcemia (inf. to 2 mmol/L). After a median follow-up of 2 years, they were no longer any cases of vocal cord dysfunction and no case of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Functional results were established in 118 patients: 46 patients had clinical hypothyroidism (39%), 64 patients had latent hypothyroidism or euthyroidism (54.2%), and 8 had recurrent hyperthyroidism (6.8%).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that TST with a remnant mass inferior to 5 g provides a low level of recurrent hyperthyroidism and allows to give no drug therapy to half patients. In our opinion, TST is still indicated in Graves' disease.

[Videoendoscopic approach for parathyroid adenomas: results of a prospective study of 100 patients]

STUDY AIM

The aim of this prospective study was to report the results of 100 consecutive video-endoscopic parathyroidectomies in patients suspected of having a single adenoma.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

From March 1997 to September 2000, 80 females and 20 males (mean age: 49.5 years) were operated on. They were selected on the basis of the following criteria: preoperative imaging in favour of a single adenoma, absence of goiter and no prior neck dissection. The technique required three trocars; one 5 mm trocar inserted through the middle line of the neck for the 0-degree 5 mm endoscope, and two 3 mm trocars inserted laterally in order to perform a bilateral exploration. The neck was inflated to 10 mm Hg pressure with a low flow (3 L/min).

RESULTS

Exploration was unilateral, bilateral and interrupted respectively in 52, 45 and 3% of the cases. The reasons for stopping were: an incidentally discovered thyroid carcinoma; moderate bleeding occurring from an anterior jugular vein after introduction of a lateral trocar; and a too-short neck. Parathyroid abnormalities were found in 86% of the patients (84 single adenomas, one double adenoma, one hyperplasia of the four glands). In 14% of the cases, the exploration was unsuccessful. A horizontal cervicotomy was required in 15% of the cases (14 negative explorations and one hyperplasia of the four glands). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The mean hospital stay was 24 hours. After 3-month follow-up, the serum calcium level was normal in 96% of the cases and cosmetic results were excellent.

CONCLUSION

A video-endoscopic approach for parathyroidectomy is feasible and safe. With sufficient experience, a bilateral and complete exploration of the neck is possible. Therefore this technique represents a good alternative to the traditional cervicotomy in patients with uniglandular disease.

[Coloplasty after esophagectomy in cancer. A retrospective study of morbidity and mortality]

Aim of this study has been to evaluate retrospectively morbidity and mortality of 42 colon substitutions after resection for esophageal cancer. Colon substitution was the intervention of first choice in six patients. In the other patients the stomach was useless, because of previous gastric surgery (n = 14), of gastric involvement by the tumor (n = 21) or technical problem (n = 1). Patients have been separated in 2 groups: from 1969 to 1983 (group A, n = 22), and from 1983 to 1997 (group B, n = 20). Mortality and morbidity (all eventful postoperative course) have been collected for the 30 postoperative days. Total morbidity has been 57% as 77% in group A and 35% in group B (p < 0.05). Cervical and colo-colic leak have been the most common complications. Total mortality has been 14% as 22% in group A and 5% in group B (p < 0.1). In group A 3 patients died from anastomosis leak (intrathoracic or intraabdominal) and 2 from medical complications. In group B 1 patient died from unexplained sepsis. Our results show significative decrease of morbidity and mortality in group B. These results can be compared to those of gastroplasty for cancer or coloplasty for benign disease. In cancer of the esophagus, if stomach can not be used as substitutes, colon substitution is the best alternative, which can be used without increase of mortality and morbidity.