ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the safety and invasion of endoscopic thyroidectomy(ET).Methods A total of 156 cases of benign thyroid diseases were surgically treated from January 2003 to December 2005,including 64 cases of endoscopic thyroidectomy(Endoscopic Group) and 92 cases of traditional thyroidectomy(Traditional Group).The operation time,hemorrhage volume,length of incision,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) scores for pain severity and cosmetic appearance,analgesic requirements,postoperative hospital stay,hospitalization costs,wound infection rate,and recurrent rate were compared between the two groups,respectively.Results The operation was successfully completed in both of groups.No hemorrhage,hoarseness,or hypocalcemia was encountered.Wound hydrops occurred in 4 cases in the Traditional Group.As compared with the Traditional Group,the Endoscopic Group had less blood loss(15?10 ml vs 20?15 ml;t=-2.330,P=0.021),lower VAS pain scores(2.5?1.0 vs(5.0?)1.6;t=-11.079,P=0.000),higher VAS cosmetic scores(8.0?1.5 vs 2.0?1.2;t=27.696,P=0.000),and less analgesic requirements(10 cases vs 28 cases;?~2=4.493,P=0.034),but longer operation time(80?20 min vs 70?30 min;t=2.330,P=0.021) and higher hospitalization costs(5 352.7?978 yuan vs 4 738.5?672 yuan;t=4.651,P=0.000).Follow-up observations for 2~30 months(mean,13 months) revealed recurrence in 2 cases in the Endoscopic Group and 3 cases in the Traditional Group.Conclusions As compared with traditional operation,endoscopic thyroidectomy has advantages of minimal invasion,early recovery,short hospitalization time,and high safety,being an ideal option for benign thyroid diseases.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the feasibility and reliability of laparoscopic assisted thyroidectomy. Methods A transversal 2.0 cm incision was made at the site 1.0 cm above the sternal notch. By using a harmonic scalpel under a 5 mm laparoscope, the thyroid glands and involving blood vessels were dealt with by either “coagulation-dissection-suction” technique or “dissection-coagulation-disconnection” technique to complete thyroid enucleation or lobectomy. Results There were 20 cases of adenoma (nodule) excision and 6 cases of unilateral lobectomy. The operation time was 80~130 min (mean, 100 min). The intraoperative blood loss was 10~40 ml (mean, 20 ml). No surgical complications occurred. Follow-up checkups in 23 cases for 1~)20 months (mean, 9 months) found a satisfactory cosmetic result and no recurrence. Conclusions Thyroidectomy under laparoscope is safe and reliable. This procedure offers a shorter incision, less invasion and better cosmetic results as compared with conventional thyroidectomy.