Endoscopic thyroidectomy for solitary nodules

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of endoscopic thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 1998 and February 2000, 18 patients with a solitary thyroid nodule underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy in a single institution. Analgesic requirement, return to normal activity, and cosmetic results were compared to 18 consecutive patients who had conventional thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Sixteen females and two males, with a mean age of 43 years (17-66 years) were operated on. Indications for surgery included indeterminate cytology (n = 8), follicular neoplasm (n = 8), Hürthle cell neoplasm (n = 1), and toxic thyroid nodule (n = 1). The mean nodule diameter was 2.7 cm (0.6-7 cm). Sixteen of 18 cases were successfully completed endoscopically with a mean operating time of 220 min (120-330 min). There were no major complication, but three patients developed mild hypercarbia and one patient had an incidental parathyroidectomy. When compared to conventional thyroidectomy, patients undergoing endoscopic thyroidectomy had a significantly superior cosmetic result (P < 0.005) and a quicker return to normal activity (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in analgesic requirement. CONCLUSION: The results of this study seem to confirm that endoscopic thyroidectomy is a technically feasible and safe procedure that leads to an improved cosmetic result and a quicker recovery. However, conventional thyroidectomy is still recommended when thyroid carcinoma is suspected.     

Video-assisted parathyroidectomy in the management of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, different minimally invasive techniques of parathyroidectomy have been described. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the indications and results of video-assisted parathyroidectomy (Vap) in the management of our patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the last 5 years (1998-2002), we operated on 528 patients with PHPT. Vap was proposed for patients with sporadic PHPT, without associated goiter and without previous neck surgery, in whom a single adenoma was localized by means of sonography and/or sestamibi scanning. Vap was performed by lateral approach with insufflation for patients with adenoma located deeply in the neck and by gasless midline approach for patients with adenoma located anteriorly. A quick parathyroid (qPTH) assay was used during the surgical procedures. Calcemia, phosphoremia and PTH were systematically evaluated in patients on days 1 and 8, 1 month and 1 year after surgery. All patients underwent pre-operative and postoperative investigations of vocal cord movements. RESULTS: Among 528 patients with PHPT, 228 (43%) were not eligible for Vap: associated nodular goiter (99 cases), previous neck surgery (42 cases), suspicion of multiglandular disease (25 cases), lack of pre-operative localization (48 cases), and miscellaneous causes (14 cases). Vap was performed in 300 patients with sporadic PHPT: 282 lateral access, 17 midline access and 1 thoracoscopy. Median operative time was 50 min (20-130 min). Conversion to conventional parathyroidectomy was required in 42 patients (14%): missed adenomas (11 cases), difficulties of dissection (7 cases), multiglandular disease correctly predicted by qPTH (10 cases); qPTH assay false negative results (3 cases), sestamibi scan false positive results (10 cases) and 1 sonography false positive result. One patient presented definitive recurrent nerve palsy. One patient had a persistent PHPT and one other patient had a recurrent PHPT. CONCLUSION: Vap can be proposed for more than half of patients with PHPT. In our experience Vap and conventional parathyroidectomy are complementary. Immediate results of Vap are similar to those obtained with conventional parathyroidectomy but no conclusions can be drawn in terms of influence of Vap on the outcome of the patients operated for PHPT.     

Lateral endoscopic approach for thyroid and parathyroid surgery

The endoscopic lateral approach in thyroid and parathyroid surgery is achieved by developing the plane between the carotid sheath laterally and the strap muscles medially. This approach allows direct access to the posterior aspect of the thyroid lobe, without the need for the dissection of the strap muscles and without the need for medial retraction of the thyroid during the procedure. The lateral approach aided by endoscopic magnification provides the surgeon with the ideal view with which to safely dissect the vital structures found in the retro-thyroid space such as the inferior thyroid artery, the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands. This approach was initially adopted in primary hyperparathyroidism caused by a single adenoma that had been localized preoperatively. It is now also offered to patients with an isolated thyroid nodule smaller than 25 mm in diameter requiring surgical excision. Experience with 408 parathyroidectomies and the preliminary results of 38 thyroid lobectomies allows the authors to recommend this technique to appropriately selected patients.     

Open minimally invasive parathyroid and thyroid surgery

Open minimally invasive parathyroidectomy or thyroidectomy (small-incision technique) are frequently performed. Benefits and disadvantages of this approach are discussed in this review. Preoperative patients selection is mandatory and is also discussed.     

Does thyroidectomy worsen Graves'ophtalmopathy?

AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine if thyro?d surgery increase or not the eye symptoms in patients with Graves'ophtalmopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included between 1981 and 2001 two groups of patients: - group 1 : 24 patients who underwent thyroid surgery, - group 2 : 13 patients who were treated only by antithyroid drugs. Eye signs were evaluated according to the "NOSPECS" classification. The effect of the thyroid surgery and the medical treatment were evaluated with the NOSPECS classification modified by Orgiazzi in order to allow quantitative comparative data. The reasons why the patients were refered to surgery were:- the important size of the goitre (n = 10), - a recurrent hyperthyroidy despite an appropriated medical treatment (n = 10), - a pregnancy desire (n = 2), - a worsening of the eye signs (n = 2). Eighteen subtotal thyroidectomies and 6 total thyroidectomies were performed. RESULTS: after thyroid surgery, ophtalmic status was noted to improve in 18 patients, to remain inchanged in 1 patient and to deteriorate in 5 patients. In the non-operated group, the results were quite similar, but the mean goitre size was statistically lower and the ophtalmic lesions were statistically appearing later, these two parameters traducting a less serious disease in this group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that thyroidectomy doesn't worsen the eye symptoms in patients with Graves'ophtalmopathy.     

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.     

135. Interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit aus der Sicht des Chirurgen

Zusammenfassung Spezialisierung ist nicht mit Isolierung einer chirurgischen Arbeitsrichtung gleichzusetzen. Der Patient verlangt Integration der Dienstzweige. Der Kompromiß ist das gutstrukturierte, den der gesamten gängigen Notfallchirurgie gewachsenen Chirurgen ausbildende chirurgische Department. Im großen Zentrum können die Amtsträger beliebig spezialisiert sein, im kleineren Haus verlangt die rationelle Betriebsführung die gegenseitige Vertretung des visceralen und des traumatologischen Chirurgen. Orthopädische Chirurgie ist Zentrumsaufgabe und soll dort Anteil an der Frakturbehandlung haben.     

How to prevent recurrent nerve palsy during thyroid surgery?

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury and hypoparathyroidism can occur after thyroid surgery. The rate of RLN injury, mostly transient, ranges from 0.5% to 5% of patients. The risk is more important in patients who undergo reoperative thyroid surgery and in patients with thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism. Rationales for technique of thyroidectomy are discussed. Meticulous and reproductive surgical technique can lower the postoperative morbidity. However, the potential for RLN injury still exists and must be explained to the patients who are candidate for thyroid surgery. The fact that this information has been delivered during the preoperative visit must be written by the surgeon in the patient's chart.     

Endoscopic thyroidectomy. A preliminary report including 40 patients

AIM OF THE STUDY: To demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy for unilateral lobectomy and isthmectomy. MATERIAL [corrected] AND METHODS: This prospective study included 40 patients operated on between January 1999 and March 2005 by a total endoscopic approach. Only lobectomies and isthmectomies were performed for nodules inferior to 3 cm in diameter. RESULTS: Forty patients (36 females, 4 males) underwent 35 lobectomies and five isthmectomies. Twenty-four patients were operated on without ultrasonic shears (US) the rate of conversion in this group was 33%. Sixteen patients were operated on with US: the rate of conversion was 0%. In the second group, the operative time was decreasing to the half, range 45 to 90 minutes. In both the two groups, there were no morbidity: no extensive emphysema, no hematoma, no wound abscess, no cord vocal palsy. The median hospital stay was 1,75 days. After three months of follow up, all the patients were satisfied, especially concerning the cosmetic results and the short recovery time. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic thyroidectomy is feasible and safe for performing lobectomies and isthmectomies. In the near future, it could be extended to bilateral goitres in selected patients.     

Vade mecum for a surgical humanitarian mission

Humanitarian surgical missions provide cares in developing countries and in difficult conditions. Preparation of these missions is a mandatory step for both technical and human points of view. Before the departure, care must be taken to accomplish all the administrative (visa application, valid passport…) and the medical formalities (mandatory and recommended vaccinations). The aim of this article is to present a helpful vade mecum allowing any surgeon, especially the juniors, to prepare a humanitarian mission abroad.     

83. Radikalitätsprinzipien bei der Operation des Coloncarcinoms

Zusammenfassung Die Prinzipien der radikalchirurgischen Behandlung von Coloncarcinomen umfassen 1. die En-bloc-Resektion von Tumor, regionalem Lymphabflussgebiet und adhärenten Organen sowie 2. die Vermeidung einer operationsbedingten Tumorverschleppung. Hierzu dienen verschiedene Verfahren, deren Wert letztlich nicht erwiesen ist, deren Anwendung jedoch das Risiko des Eingriffs nicht erhöht. Voraussetzung für die Beurteilung des radikalchirurgischen Vorgehens beim Coloncarcinom ist eine standardisierte operative Technik und eine standardisierte pathohistologische Beurteilung.     

Treatment of anterior hypospadias: comparison of modified Mathieu and Duplay techniques (report of 840 children)

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is the comparison of 2 surgical procedures in the treatment of primary anterior hypospadias including the evaluation of short-term and long-term results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the results of the modified Mathieu procedure performed in 392 patients presenting with previously untreated anterior hypospadias at one center by the same experienced surgeon is compared with the results of the modified Duplay procedure performed in 457 patients in a second center by a second experienced surgeon, both series spanning a period of 10 years. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 21 months to 10 years. Overall, 7 of 392 patients (1.7%) treated by the Mathieu procedure had complications requiring surgery compared to 32 of 457 patients (7%) treated by the Duplay procedure, a difference that is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was excellent in both groups and cosmetic results were considered satisfactory by the parents in all 843 patients. CONCLUSION: Both the modified Duplay and the Mathieu techniques are reliable procedures with reproducible results, a minimal risk of fistula formation as well as excellent cosmetic and functional results.     

Difficulties of the management of head and neck neurofibromatosis

INTRODUCTION: Neurofibromatoses represent a group of 7 diseases having the same cutaneous signs due to a common embryologic origin. The types 1 and 2 are the most frequent and the most studied. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominantly inherited disease, whose prevalence is 1/4500. The cranio-orbitotemporal lesions exist in 1 to 10% of the cases. Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is also an autosomal dominantly inherited disease, but is ten times less frequent than the NF1 and is characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas (former acoustic neurinomas). The purpose of this work was to detail the clinical features, highlighting the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine patients managed between 1990 and 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. Eight patients were found carrier of NF1 and one patient carrier of NF2 according to the diagnostic criteria of the 1988's National Institute of Health consensus. RESULTS: Five women and four men were managed; patient age varied between 13 and 62 years and the mean age was 26 years. Surgical resection of the tumor was carried out among 8 patients with bone reconstruction of the orbit on 3 patients and cutaneous expansion on one other. The results are difficult to appreciate especially that the surgery was iterative. However, all our patients were satisfied with the result and we noted recurrence in a patient presenting a retro-auricular tumor, which filled the external auditory canal requiring a further surgery. The patient having NF2 was treated by neurosurgery and showed a good result. DISCUSSION: The NF1 manifestations are extremely variable. Facial neurofibromatoses are difficult to control given the presence of soft tissues infiltration and the associated osseous dysplasia. The results are modest and recurrence is frequent. Cancer risks and the disease's completely unpredictable evolution urge a regular and multidisciplinary patient follow-up.