Postauricular and Axillary Approach Endoscopic Neck Surgery: A New Technique

Background  While the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) to endoscopic neck surgery resolves various benign and malignant thyroid and parathyroid diseases with minimal adverse effects and excellent cosmetic outcomes, it involves circumareolar incisions. Many patients, especially young female patients, are reluctant to have their breast involved. Consequently, we developed the postauricular and axillary approach (PAA) that uses postauricular incisions. Methods  From June 2006 to December 2007, we treated 10 patients with PAA endoscopic neck surgery. After subcutaneous infiltration with diluted epinephrine solution, the subplatysmal and subcutaneous spaces were dissected. Two axillary ports and two postauricular ports were used and low-pressure CO₂ insufflation generated operative space. After dividing the midline between the strap muscles, the isthmus was divided and the thyroid lobe was dissected with ultrasonic shears and excised after careful identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. Malignant lesions were treated with contralateral thyroid lobectomy. For parathyroid adenomas, we performed parathyroidectomy after dividing the strap muscles in the midline. Results  Two thyroid lobectomies, one parathyroidectomy, one subtotal thyroidectomy, and six total thyroidectomies were performed by PAA endoscopic neck surgery. The mean operation time was 210.0 ± 43.7 min. There were no cases of conversion to open surgery, permanent vocal cord palsy, or facial nerve palsy. None of the thyroidectomy patients exhibited hypocalcemia. The cosmetic outcomes were excellent and all patients were satisfied. Conclusions  PAA endoscopic neck surgery is a feasible method for thyroid and parathyroid surgery that permits good operative visualization and has minimal adverse effects and excellent cosmetic outcomes.     

Video-assisted thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE: In 1998, we developed a technique for video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT). In this paper, we report on the entire series of patients who underwent VAT and discuss the results obtained. METHODS: Seventy-three patients were selected for VAT. Eligibility criteria were: thyroid nodules 相似文献   

Operative outcomes of robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery for benign thyroid disease: early experience in 50 patients

Purpose

The main benefits of robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery are to overcome the technical limitations of other endoscopic procedures for this surgical pathology and to avoid any cervical skin incision. This article describes the first experience of a Romanian team with the endoscopic robot-assisted thyroid surgery.

Material and methods

We used the da Vinci SI intuitive surgical system to carry out 50 thyroid operations: 33 unilateral total lobectomies with isthmectomy (TL), 8 unilateral total lobectomies, with contralateral subtotal lobectomy, and 9 total thyroidectomies. Preoperatively, the patients were diagnosed with nodular goiter in 42 cases, nodular autoimmune thyroiditis in 3 cases, Basedow disease in 2 cases, toxic thyroid adenoma in 2 cases, and diffuse goiter in 1 case. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, size and location of the nodules, surgery duration, postoperative complications, pain medication, histopathological findings and postoperative cosmetic results.

Results

All surgical procedures were carried out without major incidents. One case required conversion to open approach. The mean length of surgery was 159?±?38.2 min and the average console time was 68?±?39.9 min; postoperatively, we recorded one case of transient brachial plexus neurapraxia, one transient vocal cord paresis, one transient hypocalcemia, and four postoperative wound complications. The final histopathological examination revealed two cases of well-differentiated carcinoma.

Conclusions

This paper reports the largest series to date in Southeast Europe about robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy. On a group of selected Caucasian patients, postoperative results were similar to open cervicotomy in terms of postoperative complications. The major cosmetic advantage is the absence of scar in the anterior cervical region.     

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: In this paper we describe the results of our personal technique for minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT). METHODS: Sixty-seven patients were selected for MIVAT. Selection criteria were nodule size less than 30 mm, thyroid volume less than 20 mL, no thyroiditis, no previous neck surgery or irradiation. The procedure, totally gasless, is carried out through a 15-mm central incision above the sternal notch. Dissection is performed under endoscopic vision, using conventional and endoscopic instruments. RESULTS: We performed 51 lobectomies and 15 total thyroidectomies. Mean operative time was 73.6 minutes for lobectomy and 109.6 minutes for total thyroidectomy. Conversion to open procedure was required twice (3%). We observed 2 cases of transient postoperative hypocalcemia and 1 case of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. The cosmetic result was considered excellent by most patients. CONCLUSIONS: MIVAT is safe and feasible. The indications are limited at present, but the results are encouraging, and we are optimistic about the future expansion of its applicability.     

Endoscopic thyroidectomy via bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA): review of 512 cases in a single institute

Background

Various techniques for endoscopic thyroidectomy have been introduced in the past decade, and the cosmetic superiority of these techniques has been universally acknowledged. We developed the endoscopic thyroidectomy via bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) and have performed more than 500 operations. The aims of this study are to analyze the surgical outcomes and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Patients and methods

Between February 2004 and March 2008, 512 patients with thyroid diseases underwent BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy. The criteria analyzed were clinicopathologic characteristics, types of operation, operation time, tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage on the basis of the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), results after radioactive ablation therapy, and recurrence of disease in these patients.

Results

Of 512 patients, 397 had a malignant tumor and 115 had benign thyroid disease. Eight patients were diagnosed with Graves’ disease, and nine patients underwent completion thyroidectomy. Three cases were subjected to open thyroidectomy due to uncontrolled bleeding. Mean operation time was 151.2?±?38.1?min for total and near-total thyroidectomy, and 141.7?±?50.1?min for subtotal thyroidectomy and lobectomy. Regarding postoperative complications, transient hypocalcemia occurred in 31.1% of patients and permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 4.2% of patients. Transient hoarseness occurred in 20.3% of patients, and permanent vocal cord palsy occurred in 1.7%. Mean hospital stay after operation was 3.34?±?0.8?days (range 3–7?days), and mean follow-up period was 57.1?±?17.6?months (range 38.5–71.7?months). There were eight cases of recurrent thyroid carcinoma, and no mortality has occurred up to the present time.

Conclusions

Endoscopic thyroidectomy via bilateral axillo-breast approach is a safe and effective method that gives good surgical completeness, a low rate of postoperative complications and recurrence, and an excellent cosmetic result. Therefore, this method is a good choice for patients with surgical thyroid diseases.     

Outpatient and short-stay thyroid surgery

With the realization that simple thyroid procedures had a very low rate of complication and that patients often seemed well enough to go home from the recovery room, we began performing them in an ambulatory surgery setting. We review here 134 consecutive thyroid procedures performed at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center between July 1987 and July 1989. Patients undergoing reoperation, neck dissection, sternal splits, or other concomitant procedures were excluded. There were 105 women and 29 men with an average age of 47 years. Fifty percent of the operations were performed for benign disease, although the most common diagnosis was papillary cancer (44%). Twenty-one operations (16%) were performed under local anesthesia. Most patients underwent surgery in our ambulatory surgery unit and 76 were discharged the day of surgery. Of these patients, 21 underwent total thyroidectomy, 13 subtotal thyroidectomy, and 42 simple thyroid lobectomy. Of the 58 patients who were admitted, 53 were discharged on the day following surgery. The average length of stay was 0.49 days. Extensive pre- and postoperative teaching was given regarding the signs and symptoms associated with the complications of thyroid surgery. All patients were felt to be reliable and capable of understanding the procedure and of complying with the postoperative plans. Postoperative complications included 8 patients (6%) with transient hypocalcemia and 1 patient (0.75%) with permanent unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. All complications occurred in patients who underwent total thyroidectomies. No patient had a postoperative complication requiring reoperation or readmission. We conclude that by using specific selection criteria, thyroid lobectomies and subtotal thyroidectomies can be performed safely in an ambulatory surgery setting without increase in morbidity or mortality.     

Complications of thyroid surgery

Background: The morbidity of thyroid surgery is low. Despite this, some authors advocate a subtotal thyroidectomy instead of a total thyroidectomy, to avoid the higher morbidity associated with a total thyroidectomy. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the complications of thyroid surgery in Leiden between January 1, 1982 and October 1, 1990. Three hundred forty-one patients—261 women and 80 men—had 356 operations; 15 patients were operated on twice; there were 152 total hemithyroidectomies, 3 subtotal hemithyroidectomies, 33 total thyroidectomies, 122 bilateral subtotal hemithyroidectomies, 12 combinations of total and subtotal hemithyroidectomies, and 34 other operations. Results: Calculated for the nerves at risk (n=489), the percentage of permanent recurrent nerve lesions was 3.1 (in the 5 most recent years it was 1.2%). There was no significant difference between total or subtotal (hemi)thyroidectomies. Initial symptomatic hypocalcemia necessitating supplementation was encountered 42 times (12.5%). The occurrence of permanent symptomatic hypocalcemia (6%) was not significantly different between total and subtotal (hemi)thyroidectomies (p=0.06). The duration of surgery was 137.8 min for bilateral subtotal thyroidectomies and 182.9 min for bilateral total thyroidectomies (p<0.0001). There was no difference in blood loss between total and subtotal (hemi)thyroidectomies. Conclusions: Because total thyroidectomy carries a risk of complications similar to that for subtotal thyroidectomy, it is not logical to avoid total resections. If the number of total resections were increased, it is anticipated that fewer reoperations, which involve a relatively high morbidity rate, would have to be performed.Results of this work were presented at the 46th Annual Cancer Symposium of The Society of Surgical Oncology, Los Angeles, March 18–21, 1993.     

甲状腺良性结节手术后复发的再治疗

目的 探讨甲状腺良性结节手术后复发的相关因素和再治疗原则。方法 对我院18年中51例甲状腺良性结节手术后临床复发者的病理、手术适应证、术式以及再治疗进行回顾性分析。结果 甲状腺良性结节手术后复发与病变性质、单发或多发、手术适应证的掌握及术式的选择密切相关。51例复发者中结节性甲状腺肿29例,甲状腺瘤22例;其中行结节摘除21例,腺叶部分切除16例,一侧腺叶次全切除9例,一侧腺叶切除5例。再手术38例,行一侧腺叶切除19例,一侧叶切加对侧次全切除3例,一侧次全切除7例,双侧次全切除9例;无严重手术并发症。随访32例再手术者,平均7年,仅1例结节性甲状腺肿再复发。结论 对甲状腺瘤和结节性甲状腺肿的正确诊断、明确病变的单发或多发,严格掌握多发性结节性甲状腺肿的手术适应证,并废弃结节摘除和腺叶部分切除术可降低复发率和再手术率。     

Video-assisted thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: In 1998, we developed a technique for video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT). In this article we report on the entire series of patients who underwent VAT and discuss the results obtained. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-seven patients were selected for VAT. Eligibility criteria were: thyroid nodules of 35 mm or less in maximum diameter; estimated thyroid volume within normal range or slightly enlarged; small, low-risk papillary carcinomas; neither previous neck surgery nor irradiation; and no thyroiditis. After a learning period, VAT was proposed also for completion thyroidectomy (of previous video-assisted lobectomy) and nodules with maximum diameter up to 45 mm. The procedure is performed by a totally gasless video-assisted technique through a single 1.5- to 2.0-cm skin incision. Dissection is performed under endoscopic vision using a technique very similar to conventional operation. RESULTS: Fifty-three VATs were attempted on 47 patients. Thirty-three lobectomies, 10 total thyroidectomies, and 6 completion thyroidectomies were successfully performed. Six patients with papillary carcinoma underwent central neck lymph node removal by the same access. Mean operative time was 86.8 minutes for lobectomy, 116.0 minutes for total thyroidectomy, and 77.5 minutes for completion thyroidectomy. Conversion rate was 7.5%. Postoperative complications included one transient recurrent nerve palsy, three transient symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemias, and one wound infection. The cosmetic result was considered excellent by most of the patients who successfully underwent VAT. CONCLUSIONS: VAT is feasible and safe and allows for an excellent cosmetic result. Not all patients are eligible for this procedure, but in selected cases it can be a valid option for the surgical treatment of thyroid diseases.     

经胸壁入路腔镜甲状腺切除术70例临床分析

目的:探讨经胸壁入路腔镜甲状腺切除术的优缺点。方法:2007年2月至2009年12月采用经胸壁三孔入路法行腔镜甲状腺切除术70例。其中甲状腺腺瘤18例,结节性甲状腺肿50例,甲状腺癌2例。结果:69例顺利完成腔镜手术,1例因术中出血中转开放。手术时间62～110min,平均80min,甲状腺肿瘤直径1.5～7.5cm,平均4.1cm。行甲状腺肿瘤切除术10例,单侧甲状腺次全切除术24例,单侧甲状腺腺叶切除术12例,双侧甲状腺部分切除术22例,甲状腺癌根治术2例。术后2～3d拔除引流管,术后住院2～5d,平均4d。2例术后声音嘶哑,均于6个月内恢复,3例术后一过性低钙,自行恢复,2例术后局部积液,经2～3次穿刺抽液后好转。术后随访2～35个月,未发现复发病例。结论:腔镜甲状腺手术安全可行,美容效果佳,其中经胸壁三孔入路法操作简便,是较理想的术式。     

The Learning Curve for Robotic Thyroidectomy: A Multicenter Study

Purpose

The learning curve for robotic thyroidectomy with central compartment node dissection (CCND) has not been established. We examined the effect of experience of robotic thyroidectomy on a range of perioperative parameters in order to determine the learning curve. The learner surgeon outcomes were compared with those of an experienced surgeon.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, controlled, multicenter study involving four endocrine surgeons at three academic centers. Patients underwent robotic total or subtotal thyroidectomy with CCND between September 2008 and October 2009. One surgeon was experienced in the technique (experienced surgeon, ES), while the other three surgeons had endoscopic thyroid surgery experience but no experience performing the robotic procedure (nonrobotic thyroid surgery experienced surgeon, NS). Outcome measures were demographic data, operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, pathologic results, and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 644 total or subtotal robotic thyroidectomies with CCND were performed: 377 (58.7%) by NSs and 267 (41.5%) by the ES. Mean operative time was longer and the complication rate was higher for the NS patient group compared with the ES patient group (P < 0.001 for each). The operative times and complications rates for the NS group were similar to those of the ES group once the NSs had performed 50 cases for total thyroidectomies or 40 cases for subtotal thyroidectomies.

Conclusion

The learning curve duration for robotic thyroidectomy with CCND using gasless transaxillary approach for experienced endoscopic thyroidectomy surgeons was 50 cases for total thyroidectomy and 40 cases for subtotal thyroidectomy.     

经乳晕入路行腔镜甲状腺切除术的应用价值

目的:探讨行腔镜乳晕入路手术治疗甲状腺疾病的价值。方法:2008年11月至2009年12月为15例患者行经双侧乳晕三孔法腔镜甲状腺手术,通过分离胸前皮下和颈阔肌深面,注入CO2(压力6～8mmHg),建立操作空间。用超声刀切割、分离甲状腺组织和血管;术中保护喉返神经、喉上神经及甲状旁腺。结果:15例手术均获成功,其中甲状腺囊肿切除术1例,甲状腺腺瘤切除术5例,单侧甲状腺部分切除术3例,双侧甲状腺部分切除术3例,甲状腺次全切除术3例。手术时间(110.0±31.3)min,术中出血(70±20.5)ml,术后1例颈部皮肤灼伤,1例胸部少量皮下积液,无中转开放手术。结论:经乳晕径路行腔镜甲状腺手术具有极佳的美容效果,值得临床推广应用。     

“Scarless” (in the Neck) Endoscopic Thyroidectomy (SET): An Evidence-based Review of Published Techniques

BACKGROUND: Excision of the thyroid through a skin crease incision in the anterior neck provides good direct exposure to facilitate safe dissection and a quick operation with low morbidity and minimal mortality. However, these patients still have a scar in the neck. Technologic innovations have allowed surgeons to remove the thyroid gland from a remote site, providing a scarless outcome in the neck. This study was designed to assess the different techniques of scarless (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy (SET) by reviewing the current literature. METHODS: A computer-assisted search of the Medline database through September 2007 was undertaken. The combination of terms used included the following: endoscopic thyroidectomy; minimally invasive thyroidectomy; minimally invasive endocrine surgery; thyroidectomy via the axillary approach; thyroidectomy via the anterior approach; and thyroidectomy via the breast approach. Additional data were provided based on previously unpublished experience from our own unit with SET. RESULTS: There were seven studies that involved 186 patients in whom the thyroid was excised via the axillary method and five published series that involved 169 patients who had thyroidectomies performed via the anterior approach. There were four published series of thyroidectomies performed via a hybrid approach, which is a combination of both the anterior and axillary approach, involving 180 patients. Four studies compared SET and another approach for a thyroidectomy. In our unpublished series of SET, we performed 20 cases during a 2-year period comprising 11 cases via the axillary approach and 9 cases via the anterior/breast approach. Nineteen cases were lobectomies and one case was an isthmusectomy. SET was associated with a longer operative time and increase postoperative pain. Patients who had SET were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Scarless (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy is not a minimally invasive technique but a maximally invasive one that involves a longer operative time and greater postoperative pain. What it does provide is a safe excision of the thyroid pathology with the absence of a scar in the neck. However, there is a steep learning curve. With experience and newer surgical instruments, the operative time and postoperative pain might decrease.     

Endoscopic Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Malignancies: Comparison with Conventional Open Thyroidectomy

Background Endoscopic techniques have recently been applied to thyroid surgery. We developed the bilateral axillo-breast (BAB) approach for total thyroidectomy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the completeness of this approach for total thyroidectomy and to compare complications between endoscopic thyroidectomy and conventional open thyroidectomy. Methods We analyzed 198 patients who underwent open thyroidectomy and 103 patients who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma between January 2003 and June 2006 at Seoul National University Hospital. The postoperative thyroglobulin (TG) level was used to assess the completeness of the two methods. Complications such as hypocalcemia or vocal cord palsy were also evaluated. Results The mean hospitalization period was 3.18 days following open thyroidectomy and 3.04 days after endoscopic thyroidectomy. The 3-month postoperative TG levels were <1.0 ng/ml in 90.4% of patients after open total thyroidectomy and in 88.9% following endoscopic total thyroidectomy. Transient hypocalcemia occurred in 17.7% and 25.2% of patients, respectively. Permanent hypocalcemia occurred in 4.5% and 1.0% of patients, respectively. Permanent vocal cord palsy frequencies were 0.5% and 0%, respectively. There were no significant differences in postoperative TG levels, hypocalcemia, or permanent vocal cord palsy. Transient vocal cord palsy occurred in 2.5% of patients after open thyroidectomy and in 25.2% after endoscopic thyroidectomy (p < 0.0001), but it disappeared within 3 months. Cosmetic results were excellent after endoscopic thyroidectomy. Conclusions The bilateral axillo-breast (BAB) approach for endoscopic thyroidectomy shows insignificant postoperative complications, except transient vocal cord palsy, as well as good cosmetic results. It is also a feasible method for total thyroidectomy. Therefore, the BAB approach for endoscopic total thyroidectomy can be the surgical treatment of choice for selected cases of thyroid cancer.     

腔镜甲状腺次全切除术治疗结节性甲状腺肿72例

目的 探讨腔镜下甲状腺叶次全切除术治疗结节性甲状腺肿的方法及临床意义.方法 2004年6月至2009年12月,西南医院乳腺中心共完成216例腔镜甲状腺手术中,采用腺叶次全切除术治疗结节性甲状腺肿72例,左侧22例,右侧31例,双侧19例.单发结节41例,多发结节31例,共113个结节,结节直径0.4～6.3 cm,平均2.8 cm.结果行双侧甲状腺次全切19例,手术时间80～150 min,平均97 min;单侧次全切53例,手术时间25～120 min,平均65 min.术中出血5～120 ml,平均45 ml.行颈丛加局麻68例,耐受良好66例(97%),全麻4例.术后出现暂时性声音嘶哑2例,穿刺道内出血2例.随访3～5年,医患双方对美容效果均非常满意.1例术后半年复查出现单侧结节复发,复发率为1.4%.结论 经前胸壁入路或经乳房途径腔镜下甲状腺叶次全切除是治疗结节性甲状腺肿的有效方法,局麻加颈丛在大多数病例安全可靠,游离甲状腺时避免直接抓夹甲状腺组织或肿块,采用钝性推、挡法及超声刀的正确使用可有效减少术中出血,提高安全性.     

Reoperations of the thyroid gland

Reoperative thyroid surgery may be necessary in recurrent simple goiters, thyrotoxicosis and especially cancers of the thyroid gland. The present series reviewed 33 cases representing 7.3 % from our experience consisting of 440 thyroid operations. Five patients had undergone two prior operation. Details of original procedures were available only for 26 patients, the first operations being carried "extra muros" in 20 cases. There were 25 women and 8 men with mean patient age 44.5 (range 22-75) years, which had undergone one prior operations. The interval between the primary operation and the second one varies between 5 days and 44 years. Eleven cases had benign lesions: eight with uni or bilateral nodular goiters and three thyrotoxicosis (two with Basedow-Graves'disease and one with toxic adenoma) for which nodulectomy, subtotal lobectomies or thyroidectomies were performed. In twenty one cases the surgical indication was done for persistent or recurrent thyroid carcinomas (16 papillary, two follicular and one case each of medullary, anaplastic and malignant lymphoma). Among these 6 patients underwent completion total thyroidectomies associated in 9 another patients with radical or modified neck dissection and in the 6 remaining cases conservative procedures (lobectomies, tumoral excision) of the gland or nodes were done. Complications, includes two recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, two spontaneously healed esophageal fistulas and one case each of permanent hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. Reoperative thyroid surgery constitute a valuable surgical procedure for persistence or recurrence of benign and especially malignant thyroid lesions but is associated with significant increased risk of functional and anatomic complications rate than those of the initial surgery.     

Thyroid function after thyroidectomy for benign goiter. 200 cases explored by ultrasensitive TSH

Based on a retrospective study of a series of 200 thyroidectomies for benign goitre and a mean follow up period of 12 Months, the authors analysed post-operative thyroid function and correlated it with the degree of surgical excision (47 unilateral lobectomies, 91 classical subtotal bilateral lobectomies and 62 extended bilateral subtotal lobectomies). After a presentation of the results in comparison with data from the literature, the timing and threshold for the institution of replacement therapy are examined and the need for prolonged clinical and laboratory monitoring is also stressed. In terms of changes in laboratory criteria only monitoring of spontaneous changes in US TSH allows opotherapy to be avoided or conversely to accurately define the conditions for institution of definitive replacement therapy. The justification of total thyroidectomy in the treatment of multihetoronodular goitres almost totally involving the glandular parenchyma is acknowledged.     

Endoscopic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy by the axillary approach

Background: The use of endoscopic procedures leads to a reduction in the size of the surgical scar, making it more inconspicuous. In this paper, we evaluated the merits and limits of endoscopic neck surgery. Methods: Between August 1999 and July 2000, 102 patients underwent neck surgery in our department for thyroid or parathyroid disease. Twenty-eight of them were treated by the axillary. A 12-mm and two 5-mm trocars were inserted through the skin of the axilla. Carbon dioxide was then insufflated up to 4 mmHg, and the endoscopic surgery was performed. Results: Endoscopic procedures were performed successfully in 26 cases (19 thyroidectomies and seven parathyroidectomies). There were two conversions to open procedures. The mean operating times for the thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies were 212 and 171 min, respectively. No evidence of injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve was observed in any of the cases. The postoperative cosmetic status of the patients was excellent. Conclusion: We believe that endoscopic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy by the axillary approach will find a role in the treatment of endocrine diseases in the neck.     

Complications of thyroid surgery performed by residents

The purpose of this report is to study the incidence of complications in thyroid surgery performed by the residents in a surgical training program. This is a report of complications in 200 consecutive thyroidectomies performed by residents with attending surgeons' assistance. There were 128 female and 72 male patients, ranging in age from 16 to 89 years. Ten patients had undergone previous thyroid surgery. There were 40 total thyroidectomies, 38 subtotal thyroidectomies, and 122 lobectomies with isthmusectomy. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the vocal cords was a standard routine. Identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was routine except in patients with large goiters, who underwent intracapsular subtotal thyroidectomy. An attempt was made to identify and preserve all four parathyroid glands. Even in lobectomy procedures, the ipsilateral parathyroids were identified and preserved. Parathyroid autotransplantation into the sternomastoid muscle was performed in thirteen instances, whenever any of the parathyroids was devascularized. Complications included superior laryngeal nerve palsy (one case) and temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (one case). There was only one patient in whom temporary hypoparathyroidism developed. In three patients hematomas developed in the recovery room and reexploration was required. Two diabetic patients had wound infections develop that required drainage. Seromas and minor wound collections were noted in 6% of the patients. The incidence of major postoperative complications of thyroidectomy is low, even when residents are the primary surgeons. Thyroidectomy appears to be a safe operation in the hands of residents with close supervision and assistance by the attending surgeons.     

内镜甲状腺手术对甲状旁腺的辨别与保护研究

目的探讨在内镜甲状腺手术中辨别和保护甲状旁腺的方法。方法回顾性分析2006年10月至2010年7月160例行颈前小切口内镜辅助甲状腺手术患者的临床资料,其中甲状腺瘤58例,结节性甲状腺肿82例,原发性甲状腺功能亢进16例,甲状腺乳头状癌4例。行一侧甲状腺次全切除术90例,双侧甲状腺次全切除术46例,甲状腺全切术20例,甲状腺全切术＋中央组淋巴结清扫4例,术中均对甲状旁腺进行精确辨认及有效保护。结果 160例均成功完成手术,术后暂时性甲状旁腺功能减退4例（2.5%）,未出现永久性甲状旁腺功能减退。结论内镜辅助甲状腺手术在术中可通过内镜放大作用对甲状旁腺进行精确辨认,并在内镜视野下完成对甲状旁腺血供的精细解剖和分离,有效的保护了甲状旁腺及其血供,明显降低了术后甲状旁腺功能减退并发症的发生率。