Video-Assisted Endoscopic Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Using a Gasless Method of Anterior Neck Skin Lifting: A Review of 130 Cases

Purpose: Endoscopic endocrine neck surgery is desirable from a cosmetic viewpoint. We compared the effectiveness of our new technique with that of conventional surgery in a clinical study. Methods: We performed our original endoscopic method of video-assisted neck surgery (VANS) on 130 patients: 126 with thyroid tumors and 4 with parathyroid tumors. The percentage of patients who underwent VANS among all those who underwent neck surgery and the procedure involved were analyzed. Operating time and blood loss were compared between the first 40 patients and last 39, and all factors were statistically analyzed in the most recent 20 patients who underwent the VANS method and the most recent 20 who underwent conventional surgery. Results: More than 60% of benign thyroid tumors and 5.3% of malignant thyroid tumors were operated on by the VANS method. Nearly total lobectomy was the most common procedure (57.7%), followed by total lobectomy (26.1%), for benign tumors. Malignancy was defined as papillary carcinoma less than 1 cm in diameter. Total lobectomy with lymph node clearance was performed for all malignant tumors. There was less bleeding when the VANS method (P < 0.001) was used than when conventional surgery was performed, and the operating time has been reduced with experience. Conclusion: The VANS method is feasible, practical, and safe, and has great cosmetic benefits. Received: December 5, 2001 / Accepted: March 5, 2002     

Indications for and limitations of endoscopic thyroid surgery

Endoscopic thyroid surgery has become a common procedure in recent years, mainly because of its cosmetic advantages. Generally two methods are used to obtain a working space: CO2 insufflation and anterior neck skin lifting. The incision sites for approaching the thyroid are the chest wall, mammary areolar area, axillary and submandibular area, in addition to the neck. Among the new operative devices, the ultrasonically activated scalpel has contributed to the development of endoscopic thyroid surgery. Based on our experience of more than 180 cases using our original endoscopic method, video-assisted neck surgery(the VANS method), we here report the clinical outcome and usefulness of the method. The operating time and blood loss in patients with 161 benign thyroid tumors were statistically compared between the small-tumor group (n = 138, < 5 cm) and the large-tumor group (n = 23, > or = 5 cm). More than 60% of the benign and 7.1% of the malignant thyroid tumors were operated on using the VANS method. Near or subtotal lobectomy was the most common procedure (64.4%) for benign tumors. Malignancy was defined as a papillary carcinoma < 1 cm in diameter. Total lobectomy with lymph node clearance was performed for all malignant cases. Although the operating time and blood loss were statistically greater in the large-tumor group than the small-tumor group, with increased experience it was possible to remove tumors of up to 7.4 cm safely. Our findings show that the VANS method is feasible, practical, and safe, and has great cosmetic benefits. However, it must be remembered that the intrinsic surgical goal of treatment should not be compromised in the pursuit of less-invasive surgery. Care must be taken to select appropriate patients carefully and to train surgeons sufficiently in the techniques required.     

Video-assisted total thyroidectomy

During the last few years, video-assisted neck surgery (VANS) became one option for thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Reports on VANS were limited to partial resection of the thyroid gland. In this study, we described total thyroidectomy in a patient with Graves' disease. The patient had a thyrotoxic periodic paralysis and methimazole-induced hepatic toxicity as well as hepatitis B virus. Two incisions of 3.5 and 3 cm were placed in the right and left subclavicular regions, respectively. A third incision of 0.5 cm was made just to the right of the midline for the camera. Devascularization of the thyroid gland was performed by using ultrasonically activated shear. Tubal drains were inserted on both sides. The patient suffered from temporary postoperative hoarseness with the voice but had a normal calcium level. The drains were removed on the first postoperative day. The use of VANS may provide a new method for total thyroidectomy with a better cosmetic outcome.     

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 endoscopic thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Several experimental and clinical reports concerning endoscopic parathyroid surgery have appeared. However, reports concerning minimally invasive surgery for thyroid remains rare. Herein we present a new method, called video-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy (VAET), for the management of various benign thyroid diseases. METHODS: In all, 16 consecutive patients who underwent VAET for benign thyroid diseases were retrospectively studied. The study group included nodular hyperplasia in 8 patients, follicular adenoma in 6, and Hurthle's tumor and simple cyst in 1 each. A 2 to 3 cm transverse incision was made on the suprasternal notch. The wound was deepened to expose the underlying trachea from which the plane of the thyroid fascia was accessed directly, and the working space was established with lifting method using conventional instrument. All surgical procedures could be manipulated and monitored under laparoscopy without gas insufflation. The ultrasonically activated scalpel was the principal instrument used for VAET. RESULTS: All 16 patients underwent VAET successfully without conversion to open thyroidectomy. The surgical procedures included lobectomy in 13 and extirpation in 3. The operation time ranged from 28 minutes to 5 hours (mean 1 hour, 42 minutes). For the 5 most recent cases, lobectomy took an average of 2 hours, whereas extirpation less than 40 minutes. The tumor size ranged from 3.5 cm to 8.0 cm (mean 5.8 cm). There were no surgical complications. All patients but 1 were discharged on postoperative day 2. During follow-up, all patients demonstrated euthyroid function and satisfactory cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: VAET emerges as a promising minimally invasive surgical technique replacing conventional thyroidectomy for benign thyroid diseases in selected cases, with the advantage of satisfactory cosmetic results.     

Trans-Oral Video-Assisted Neck Surgery (TOVANS). A new transoral technique of endoscopic thyroidectomy with gasless premandible approach

Background

Endoscopic thyroidectomy is a well-established surgical technique. We have been utilizing precordial video-assisted neck surgery (VANS) with a gasless anterior neck skin lifting method. Recently, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has generated excitement among surgeons as potentially scar-free surgery. We developed an innovative gasless transoral technique for endoscopic thyroidectomy that incorporated the concept of NOTES in a VANS-technique.

Methods

Incision was made at the vestibulum under the inferior lip. From the vestibulum to the anterior cervical region, a subplatysmal tunnel in front of the mandible was created and cervical skin was lifted by Kirschner wires and a mechanical retracting system. This method without CO₂ insufflation created an effective working space and provided an excellent cranio-caudal view so that we could perform thyroidectomy and central node dissection safely.

Results

Beginning with our first clinical application of TOVANS in September 2009, we have performed eight such procedures. Three of the eight patients had papillary microcarcinoma and received central node dissection after thyroidectomy. All patients began oral intake 1 day after surgery. The sensory disorder around the chin persisted more than 6 months after surgery in all patients. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy revealed in one patient. Nobody had mental nerve palsy, and no infection developed with use of preventive antibacterial tablets for 3 days.

Conclusions

We developed a new method for gasless transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with a premandible approach and anterior neck-skin lifting. TOVANS makes possible complete endoscopic radical lymphadenectomy for papillary thyroid cancer. We believe that this method is innovative and progressive and has not only a cosmetic advantage but also provides easy access to the central node compartment for dissection in endoscopic thyroid cancer surgery.     

腔镜甲状腺手术:附42例报告

目的　探讨腔镜甲状腺手术的可行性和手术方法。方法　对 42例各种甲状腺疾患患者采用腔镜手术治疗的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果　手术成功 41例 ,因术中渗血不止中转手术 1例。 1例术后前胸出现小面积淤斑 ;1例出现声音嘶哑 ,3d后恢复 ;无甲状旁腺损伤 ;无皮下积气。颈前引流管于术后 2 4h拨除 ,术后 5d出院。结论　掌握腔镜甲状腺手术的指征 ,精细操作 ,采用腔镜手术治疗甲状腺疾患是安全可行的 ,且具有较好的美容效果     

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.     

内镜在甲状腺切除术的临床应用

目的 探讨应用内镜外科技术施行甲状腺手术的可行性及效果。方法 采用须部无瘢痕内镜甲状腺切除术(SET)和微创电视辅助甲状腺切除术(MIvA)。SET切口选择在乳晕上缘、胸骨旁，钝性游离胸前和颈前皮下腔隙，在内镜下行甲状腺肿瘤或腺体次全切除术。MIvA切口选择在胸骨切迹上1cm处长约3cm，在电视辅助下行甲状腺肿瘤或腺体次全切除术。结果 SETl0例和MIvAl2例全部手术成功，无并发症。术后恢复良好，无声嘶、呛咳，颈部水肿、隆起明显改善。结论 对甲状腺切除手术，SET具有明显的美容效果，MIVA是一种微创和有效方法。     

Endoscopic Lateral Approach Thyroid Lobectomy: Safe Evolution from Endoscopic Parathyroidectomy

Introduction Endoscopic thyroid surgery has been shown to be feasible. Most minimal access procedures have been performed via a midline approach. Based on our experience of more than 500 endoscopic parathyroidectomies via a lateral approach we have used the same method for thyroid lobectomy. Methods We present our experience of endoscopic thyroid lobectomy via a lateral approach (ETLA) and review of the results over a 1-year period (2004). Inclusion criteria for ETLA were (1) solitary nodule with atypical/suspicious fine–needle biopsy (FNB) or solitary toxic nodule; (2) lesions with a diameter of <3 cm. Patients with a history of previous neck surgery or radiation exposure were excluded. All patients underwent postoperative vocal cord checks and plasma calcium evaluation. Results A total of 742 thyroid procedures were performed during 2004. Among them, 38 patients (5.1%) underwent ETLA. Indications for surgery were suspicious FNB results (36 patients) and a toxic nodule (2 patients). Mean nodule size was 19.2 mm. Mean ± SD operating time was 102 ± 27 minutes. All recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified (including one that was nonrecurrent). Of the 38 patients, the superior parathyroid gland was identified in 36 and the inferior parathyroid gland in 33. There were two conversions due to difficulty with the dissection. Two operations were converted because malignancy was diagnosed on frozen section examination. Two patients underwent a delayed completion thyroidectomy when definitive histology necessitated it. There were no permanent operative complications, and all patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. Conclusions ETLA offers excellent intraoperative visualization of the vital structures and is a safe alternative to conventional thyroid lobectomy in selected cases.     

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   

经胸乳径路腔镜甲状腺切除术350例体会

目的探讨经胸乳径路腔镜甲状腺切除术的方法及其可行性。方法 2008年3月至2011年5月行经胸乳径路腔镜甲状腺切除术350例,回顾性分析350例患者的临床资料。其中甲状腺瘤142例,结节性甲状腺肿180例,原发性甲状腺机能亢进23例,甲状腺乳头状微小癌5例。行甲状腺瘤摘除术16例,单侧甲状腺次全切除130例,双侧甲状腺次全切除134例,单侧甲状腺腺叶切除42例,甲状腺全切除28例。结果手术过程顺利,平均手术时间（72.0±30.4）min,平均术中出血量（45.0±15.8）ml,无中转开放手术,无声嘶或甲状旁腺损伤等并发症发生,平均住院时间（7.0±4.5）d,术后随访3～30个月,无复发病例。结论经胸乳径路腔镜甲状腺切除术是安全可行的,且具有良好的美容效果。     

Total endoscopic thyroidectomy

We have developed endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures using anterior chest and axillary approaches. Both of our procedures differ significantly from the usual thyroidectomy, which involves lifting both the platysma and the sternohyoid muscle. Because only the platysma is lifted during our procedures, a CO(2) insufflation pressure of less than 4 mmHg is sufficient. While the sternohyoid muscle is transected to obtain greater exposure of the thyroid gland in minimally invasive procedures in the neck, we do not divide it so as to prevent adhesions to the platysma, unless the nodule is large. As we accumulated experience with these procedures in 58 patients, typical operation time decreased to less than 120 minutes for the anterior approach and to less than 150 minutes for the axillary approach. Large follicular tumours can be extracted using the axillary approach, with all of its cosmetic advantages, whereas the anterior chest approach is advocated for removal of bilateral multinodular goitres and parathyroid lesions. Both approaches result in minimal postoperative hypoaesthesia, paraesthesia, and discomfort during swallowing. We conclude that endoscopic neck surgery is the procedure of choice in carefully selected patients with thyroid disease.     

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA): A novel surgical technique for scarless thyroidectomy in pediatric surgery

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a novel surgical technique in thyroid surgery that provides a feasible opportunity to avoid a visible neck scar. In recent years, TOETVA became popular in the thyroid surgery of selected adult patients with cosmetic concerns. We conducted a right lobectomy with the TOETVA technique in a 17-year-old adolescent with a suspicious thyroid nodule the present report aimed to describe the details of the operative technique step by step.Level of evidence: LEVEL IV, case series with no comparison group     

Minimally invasive, totally gasless video-assisted thyroid lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Neck surgery is one of the newest fields of application of video-assisted surgery. We developed a technique for minimally invasive, totally gasless video-assisted thyroid lobectomy. METHODS: The procedure was accepted by a patient with a follicular nodule of the left lobe of the thyroid. We performed a left thyroid lobectomy through a single 20-mm horizontal skin incision, just above the sternal notch, after inserting a 5-mm 30 degrees laparoscope, by using both endoscopic and conventional instrumentation. RESULTS: The recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands were easily identified and preserved. The operating time was 2.5 hours. No complication occurred. The postoperative stay was 2 days. The cosmetic result was excellent CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that our technique is feasible and safe. This makes us optimistic about the future of minimally invasive, video-assisted thyroid surgery.     

免气体锁骨下径路腔镜甲状腺切除术探讨

目的 :探讨经锁骨下径路免气体腔镜甲状腺叶切除术的可行性。方法 :于病灶侧锁骨下作 2 5～ 3 0cm切口 ,沿颈阔肌下平面分离至颈前区 ,用直径 3mm的U形克氏针置入皮瓣下 ,经皮外将U形针 3点缝合悬吊于头部框架上 ,建立无气体手术空间 ,利用超声刀行甲状腺叶切除术。结果 :手术成功 19例 ,1例癌肿中转行根治术 ,平均手术时间 2 5± 0 2 5h。出血量 2 5± 5ml。 2例切口轻度感染均Ⅰ期愈合 ,颈部无疤痕。结论 :经锁骨下径路免气体腔镜甲状腺叶切除术是安全、可行的。     

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。     

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。     

无充气单侧腋窝入路全腔镜甲状腺双侧叶全切除术对侧处理改进三步法（附视频）

随着腔镜技术的发展,腔镜甲状腺手术也得以广泛应用,目前腔镜甲状腺手术的常见入路有经胸乳、经口、经腋等,其中无充气腋窝入路腔镜甲状腺手术受到众多从事甲状腺外科医生的高度认可。该技术能够满足患者的美容需求,同时能够利用颈前肌肉的自然间隙进行手术达到微创的目的。虽然目前无充气腋窝入路腔镜甲状腺手术操作越来越成熟规范,但是在无充气单侧腋窝入路全腔镜甲状腺双侧叶全切除术（GUA-ETT）过程中,切除对侧叶时,如何避免气管的遮挡、顺利暴露对侧喉返神经并保证对侧中央区淋巴结清扫的彻底性等都是需要直接面对的困难。本中心针对单侧叶切除后行对侧叶全切除术及对侧中央区淋巴结清扫术,提出对侧处理改进三步法。为了更方便甲状腺外科医生掌握该技术,笔者就该GUA-ETT中对侧处理改进三步法的手术方法、技术特点、操作技巧及细节与操作重点、难点及操作经验进行详细阐述及分享。     

Scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy: breast approach for better cosmesis

An original technique for performing endoscopic thyroidectomy using a breast approach to avoid an operative scar in the neck was developed. The subcutaneous space in the breast area and the subplatysmal space in the neck were bluntly dissected through a 15-mm incision between the nipples, and CO2 was insufflated at 6 mm Hg to create the operative space. Three trocars were inserted at the breast, and dissection of the thyroid and division of the thyroid vessels and parenchyma were performed endoscopically using an ultrasonically activated scalpel. Four hemithyroidectomies and one partial resection of the thyroid for five female patients with thyroid adenomas 5 to 7 cm in diameter were successfully performed using this procedure. There were no conversions to open surgery or complications. No scars were apparent in the neck, and all patients were fully satisfied with the cosmetic results. Endoscopic thyroidectomy using a breast approach and low-pressure subcutaneous CO2 insufflation is a feasible and safe procedure, which results in satisfactory cosmetic results.