Exploration of deep learning to identify recurrent laryngeal nerve in endoscopic thyroidectomy via unilateral axillary approach / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To explore whether deep learning could apply to recognize the recurrent laryngeal nerve in the video of unilateral axillary approach endoscopic thyroidectomy.Methods:Videos of endoscopic thyroidectomy via unilateral axillary approach in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Jul. 1st, 2020 to May. 1st, 2021 were collected. Videos containing the recurrent laryngeal nerve were selected, and the outline of recurrent laryngeal nerve were marked by two senior thyroid surgeons and staffs. Data were divided into training set and test set in a ratio of 5:1, and classified into high, medium and low recognition group according to difficulty of recognizing the outline of the nerve. The neuron network was based on PSPNet combined with Resnet50. All data were analyzed by R (ver. 4.0.2) .Results:A total of 38 videos including 35,501 frames of pictures were included in this study. 29, 704 frames of 32 videos were in our training set and 5797 frames of 6 videos were in the test set. When the intersection over union (IOU) threshold is 0.1, the sensitivity and precision is 100.0%/92.1%, 95.8%/80.2% and 81.0%/80.6% in high, medium and low recognition group respectively. When the IOU threshold is 0.5, the sensitivity and precision is 92.6%/85.3%, 71.7%/60.5% and 38.1%/37.9% in high, medium and low recognition group respectively, indicating that neuron network could located the outline of recurrent laryngeal nerve in high and medium recognition group. False negatives were often due to small targets and unclear boundaries.Conclusion:Recurrent laryngeal nerve recognition based on deep learning is feasible and has potential application value in endoscopic thyroidectomy, which may help surgeons reduce the risk of accidental injury of recurrent laryngeal nerve and improve the safety of thyroidectomy.

Endoscopic level V lymph node dissection via breast combined with oral approach for papillary thyroid cancer / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the safety and feasibility of endoscopic level V lymph node dissection for thyroid cancer.Methods:Two cases undergoing level V lymph node dissection via breast combined with oral approach for papillary thyroid cancer in May. 2021 and Sep.2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary thyroid lesions and metastatic lymph nodes were diagnosed pathologically by fine needle aspiration before operation. The routine examination such as ultrasound, CT and laryngoscopy were completed before operation.Results:Both operations were successfully completed under endoscopy. In case 1, one lymph node was found in neck V region, and no metastatic lymph node was found. In case 2, 7 lymph nodes were found in cervical V region. No "shoulder syndrome" encompassing shoulder dysfunction and pain was found in either case.Conclusions:The study on the two cases reveals that level V dissection after the routine operation of endoscopic central and lateral neck dissection via breast combined with oral approach for papillary thyroid cancer is feasible and safe. More cases in further study were needed for to verify the finding.

Preliminary experience of endoscopic bilateral thyroid surgery through gasless axillary approach / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic thyroidectomy by gasless unilateral axillary approach.Methods:A matching study was conducted to analyze 21 patients with etgua of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from Mar. 2019 to Sep. 2021, including 8 cases of bilateral radical thyroidectomy and 13 cases of unilateral radical thyroidectomy + contralateral lobectomy (benign) . At the same time, 23 patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy were matched as controls, including 8 cases of bilateral radical thyroidectomy and 15 cases of unilateral radical thyroidectomy + contralateral lobectomy (benign) . The operation process was recorded, and the differences in operation safety, postoperative recovery and incision satisfaction between endoscopic group and open group were compared.Results:The operation time in the endoscopy group was longer than that in the open group. The postoperative drainage volume in the endoscopy group was larger than that in the open group. There was no significant difference in the amount of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative stay in hospital or the incidence of complications. The neck pain scores in the endoscopic group were lowter than those in the open group. In terms of postoperative cosmetic satisfaction, the endoscopic group was higher than the open group.Conclusion:Endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy by gasless unilateral axillary approach is a safe and effective surgical method, and has high cosmetic satisfaction.

Application of deep learning to identify recurrent laryngeal nerve in endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To explore whether deep learning could apply to recognize the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in videos of endoscopic thyroidectomy (ETE) via breast approach.Methods:Videos of ETE via breast approach in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Feb. 2020 to Aug. 2021 were collected. Videos containing RLN were selected, and the outline of RLN was marked by two thyroid surgeons. Then data were divided into a training set and a test set in a ratio of 5:1 and classified into the high and low difficulty group according to a senior thyroid surgeon’s opinion. Those pictures were input to D-LinkNet model. Precision, sensitivity and mean dice index was calculated.Results:A total of 46 videos including 153, 520 frames of pictures were included in this study. 131,039 frames of 39 videos were in the training set and 22,481 frames of 7 videos were in the test set. When the intersection over union threshold was 0.1, the sensitivity and precision was 92.9%/72.8% and 47.6%/54.9% in high and low recognition group, respectively. When the intersection over union threshold was 0.5, the sensitivity and precision turned to 85.8%/67.2% and 37.6%/43.5% in high and low difficulty group, respectively. Mean Dice index was 0.781 and 0.663 in high and low difficulty group, respectively.Conclusions:RLN recognition based on deep learning is feasible and has potential application value in ETE, which may help surgeons reduce the risk of accidental injury of RLN and improve the safety of thyroidectomy.

Tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral por abordaje vestibular

Resumen En las últimas dos décadas, distintos tipos de abordajes extracervicales se han ido desarrollando en la cirugía endocrinológica, y principalmente en la tiroidectomía, con el fin de obtener mejores resultados cosméticos. Estos abordajes transfieren la incisión clásica descrita por Kocher, a puntos de acceso más discretos, sin embargo, requieren de disecciones extensas. Fue el desarrollo del abordaje vía vestibular el que cambió el paradigma terapéutico, ya que es el único potencialmente libre de cicatrices cutáneas, que ofrece la seguridad y resultados comparables con técnicas tradicionales. Además, la menor distancia entre el sitio de abordaje y la glándula tiroides, obvia la necesidad de extensas disecciones asociadas a otros tipos de abordajes remotos. La tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral por vía vestibular utiliza un instrumento laparoscópico convencional, vía vestíbulo oral, a través del espacio premandibular insuflado con CO2. Esta técnica se considera segura y reproducible. El presente artículo de revisión pretende describir la técnica quirúrgica, con la finalidad de aportar información que resulte relevante para la práctica clínica diaria.

Abstract In the last two decades, different types of extra-cervical approaches have been described in endocrine surgery, mainly for thyroidectomy, to achieve better cosmetic outcomes. These approaches transfer the classic incision described by Kocher, to inconspicuous locations, yet they necessitate of extensive surgical dissections. It was the development of the vestibular approach that changed the treatment paradigm, as it is the only approach free of visible scars, with a safety profile and overall outcomes comparable to traditional techniques. Furthermore, the shorter distance between the access point and the thyroid gland, obviates the need for extensive dissections, such as those used in other remote approaches. The vestibular transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy uses a conventional laparoscopic instrument via the oral vestibule, through the premandibular space, which is insufflated with CO2. This technique is considered safe and reproducible. This review article aims to describe the surgical technique, in order to provide information relevant to routine clinical practice.

Tiroidectomía y paratiroidectomía endoscópica transoral con abordaje vestibular(TOETVA TOEPVA): Experiencia inicial en el Hospital Universitario Austral / Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA TOEPVA): intial experience in Hospital Universitario Austral

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la cervicotomía de Kocher ha sido el abordaje clásico para la cirugía tiroidea y paratiroidea. El aumento en la preocupación por la cicatriz cervical ha generado un interés creciente por disminuir su tamaño o trasladarla a lugares menos visibles. Anuwong publica 60 casos de TOETVA/TOEPVA en 2016, con resultados óptimos. Objetivos: comunicar la experiencia con la tiroidectomía y paratiroidectomía transoral endoscópica con abordaje vestibular en el Hospital Universitario Austral. Material y métodos: análisis retrospetivo, sobre base prospectiva, de 18 procedimientos, entre mayo de 2019 y marzo de 2020. Se realizaron 2 paratiroidectomías, 13 lobectomías, 4 tiroidectomías totales, una con linfadenectomía central; una paciente presentó 2 patologías (adenoma paratiroideo y nódulo tiroideo). Citología según Bethesda: categoría II: 7; indeterminada: 1 y categoría VI: 9. Resultados: 18 pacientes femeninas. Mediana de edad: 41 años. Media del tamaño nodular: 30 mm. Volumen glandular medio: 24 mL. Conversión: 1 caso. Promedio de tiempo quirúrgico: lobectomía, 260 minutos; tiroidectomía total, 262 minutos. Histología definitiva: carcinoma papilar, 11; bocio nodular, 6; adenoma paratiroideo, 2. Complicaciones: equimosis leve, 12 pacientes; hipoparatiroidismo transitorio, 1 caso; paresia recurrencial transitoria, 1 caso; hiposensibilidad mentoniana transitoria, 1 caso. Dos casos de tiroidectomía total por cáncer: tiroglobulina a las 6 semanas < 0,1 μUI/mL. Conclusiones: 1) Es un abordaje seguro y ofrece resultados cosméticos excelentes. 2) Puede implementarse con equipamiento endoscópico convencional, con curva de aprendizaje corta y escasa morbilidad. 3) Alternativa para el tratamiento del carcinoma papilar de bajo riesgo. 4) Es prioritario garantizar la seguridad del paciente.

ABSTRACT Background: Kocher's cervicotomy has been the classic approach for thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The greater concern about neck scarring has generated an increasing interest in reducing scar size or leaving the scar in less visible places. In 2016 Anuwong published 60 cases of TOETVA/TOEPVA with optimal outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this study is to report the initial experience with transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy vestibular approach in Hospital Universitario Austral. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 18 prospective procedures performed between May 2019 and March 2020. The procedures performed were 2 parathyroidectomies, 13 lobectomies, 4 total thyroidectomies, 1 with central lymph node dissection; one patient presented a parathyroid adenoma and a benign thyroid nodule. Cytology report according to the Bethesda system: category II in 7 cases, VI in 9 and indeterminate in 1. Results: 18 female patients. Median age: 41 years. Mean nodule size: 30 mm. Mean gland volume: 24 mL. Conversion. 1 case. Mean operative time: lobectomy, 260 minutes; total thyroidectomy, 262 minutes. Definite histology: papillary thyroid carcinoma,11; benign nodular goiter, 6; parathyroid adenoma, 2. Complications: mild ecchymosis, 12 patients; temporary hyperparathyroidism, 1 case; temporary recurrent laryngeal palsy, 1 case; temporary numbness of the mental region in 1 case. In the two cases undergoing total thyroidectomy due to cancer, thyroglobulin level 6 weeks after surgery was < 0.1 μIU/mL. Conclusions: 1) The transoral approach is a safe and feasible procedure that offers excellent cosmetic results. 2) It can be implemented using conventional endoscopic equipment, has a short learning curve and low morbidity rate. 3)It constitutes an alternative for the treatment of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. 4) Patient's safety should be guaranteed.

Endoscopic Thyroidectomy for Benign Thyroid Lesions: A Prospective Study

Thyroidectomy is one of the most common operations performed throughout the world, with solitary thyroid nodules being one of the more common indications for surgery. Though conventional open thyroidectomy is considered extremely safe and remains the treatment of choice, it is associated with an undesirable scar. Endoscopic thyroidectomy has the distinct advantage of limiting external scarring and having better cosmetic results. It moreover is associated with reduced post-operative pain, and enhanced postoperative recovery. Methods: It was a hospital based non randomized prospective descriptive study carried out in department of general surgery at tertiary hospital in which 39 patients with benign thyroid lesions were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history, clinical and local examination was done in all the cases. Thyroid function tests, FNAC under ultrasound guidance, indirect laryngoscopy and imaging of thyroid gland was done in all the cases. All patients underwent endoscopic thyroid surgery (Total, near total, subtotal or hemithyroidectomy). Patients were followed up for 6 months after surgery. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Out of 39 studied cases there were 35 males and 4 females with a M:F ratio of 1:8.75. Most common age group was found to be 30-40 years with a mean age of 32 yrs. Average size of thyroid nodule was 3.20 cms and right lobe was predominantly involved (69.23%). Predominant Pathology on FNAC was found to be colloid goiter (71.79%). All patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy. Mean duration of surgery was 55 minutes. Most common surgery undertaken was hemithyroidectomy (84.62%) followed by total thyroidectomy (10.16%) and completion total thyroidectomy (5.13%). Average total blood loss was significantly less (36 ml). Mean visual analogue score at 24 and 48 hours post-operatively were 4.14 and 2.85. Mean duration of hospital stay was 3.3 days. Majority of the patients (89.75%) were extremely satisfied with the cosmetic results. Conclusion: Endoscopic thyroidectomy for Benign thyroid lesion is associated with less blood loss during surgery, comparatively less severe pain, decreased mean duration of hospital stay and satisfactory cosmetic results.

Effects of intravenous lidocaine and dexmedetomidine on cough during extubation after endoscopic thyroidectomy / 实用医学杂志

Objective Comparation of the effects of intravenous lidocaine and dexmedetomidine on coughing during extubation after endoscopic thyroidectomy. Methods 60 patients who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy were randomly divided into group L, group D and group C, each group included 20 cases. Group L were given a loading lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg over 10 minutes before anesthesia induction, followed by a continuous intravenous lidocaine 1.5 mg/ (kg·h) until 30 min before the end of surgery. Group D were given a loading dexmedetomidine 0.5μg/kg over 10 minutes before anesthesia induction, followed by a continuous intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.4 μg/ (kg · h) until 30 min before the end of surgery. Group C were given intravenous infusion of equal volume normal saline. The incidence and severity of coughing were recorded within 2 minutes after extubation. Hemodynamic variables were measured at T0 (before anaesthesia induction) , T1 (immediately after extubation) , and T2 (5 min after extubation). The volume of drainage was recorded within 24 hours after surgery. Results The incidence and grade of cough were significantly lower in group L and group D than in group C (P < 0.05). Compared with group L and group D, MAP and HR were significantly increased in group C at T1 and T2 (P < 0.05). Compared with group C, the volume of drainage was significantly reduced in group L and group D within 24 hours after surgery (P < 0.05).Conclusion Intravenous lidocaine and dexmedetomidine can effectively inhibit coughing during extubation period after endoscopic thyroidectomy, and there is no significant difference between the two treatments.

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery: Indication, Preparation and Surgical Technique / 대한이비인후과학회지

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is the latest surgical technique for inserting an endoscope through the mouth, anus, vagina etc., and for performing surgery with mucosal incision only, i.e., without skin incision. Recently, a number of researchers have applied NOTES to thyroid surgery in several trials, with the aim of removing the thyroid gland through oral cavity. The transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery became widely known after Anuwong et al. reported successful results for their first 60 patients and it has become increasingly recognized as a feasible novel surgical procedure. The purpose of this article is to review and summarize the existing literature, and describe in detail the preoperative considerations, rationale for patient selection, surgical method and postoperative management for transoral thyroid surgery.

Application Value of Total Membrane Dissection in Endoscopic Thyroidectomy / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To study the application value of endoscopic thyroidectomy via total membrane dissection. Methods One hundred and sixteen patients with benign thyroid nodules were given axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy via total membrane dissection from January 2014 to December 2016. Results Endoscopic thyroidectomy was completed in all the patients without conversion to open surgery.The operation time was 45-125 min[mean,(65.6 ±36.7)min],the blood loss was 10-220 ml[mean,(43.2 ±22.7)ml],the postoperative drainage volume was 25-305 ml[mean,(95.3 ±53.8)ml], the postoperative drainage time was 2-4 d[mean,(2.3 ±0.7)d)],and the length of hospital stay was 3-6 d[mean,(4.1 ±1.1)d].Short-term twitch occurred in 1 case and seroma occurred in 2 cases.No other complications such as hoarseness,bucking or asphyxia occurred in this series. Conclusion Endoscopic thyroidectomy via total membrane dissection can effectively avoid the injury of recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid gland.

Preliminary evaluation of effect of endoscopic thyroidectomy using the gasless unilat-eral axillary approach / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective:To determine the technical feasibility,intraoperative safety,and efficacy of endoscopic thyroidectomy using the gasless unilateral axillary approach.Methods:We analyzed 11 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent an endoscopic thyroidectomy between February and April 2017 using a gasless unilateral axillary approach at the Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology,Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.Additionally,we compared the clinical features,early surgical outcomes,surgi-cal complications and postoperative satisfaction of endoscopic thyroidectomy with those of 11 patients who underwent conventional open thyroidectomies during the same period.Result:In the endoscopic group,the mean age of patients((35.6±2.6)years was young-er than that of the open thyroidectomy group[(48.5±2.3)years,(P=0.002)].The endoscopic thyroidectomy(unilateral lobectomy)pro-cedure was successfully completed in all patients. The rate of central compartment neck dissection was not different between the groups[(2.4±1.7)vs.(2.8±1.6),P>0.05].The operative time was longer and the amount of drainage was higher in the endoscopic than in the open group[(123.9±28.1)min vs.(48.6±9.8)min,P<0.01;(145.9±81.8)mL vs.(87.7±18.9)mL,P<0.01].Everage length of hospi-talizntion was 1 day longer in the endoscopic group. The complication rate was not statistically significantly different between the groups.The postoperative pain score of the neck and anterior chest was not different between the groups except the anterior chest pain score at day 3 after operation.The cosmetic satisfaction was greater in the endoscopic group(P<0.01).Conclusions:Endoscopic thyroidectomy using a gasless unilateral axillary approach for the management of selected patients presenting with papillary thyroid carcinoma is a safe,feasible,and cosmetically superior procedure.

Comparison of the effect between endoscopic thyroidectomy and open thyroidectomy in treatment of benign thyroid diseases / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To compare the clinical effect of endoscopic thyroidectomy and open thyroidectomy in the treat-ment of benign thyroid diseases. Methods A total of 120 patients with benign thyroid diseases were selected from March 2015 to June 2017 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University. The patients were divided into endoscopic opera-tion group(n = 62)and open operation group(n = 58)according to the treatment methods. The patients in the open operation group were treated with conventional open thyroidectomy,and the patients in the endoscopic operation group were treated with endoscopic thyroidectomy. The operation time,intraoperative bleeding volume,postoperative drainage volume and hospitalization time were recorded in the two groups;and the intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed. The pain of the pa-tients in the two groups was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS)at the time points of 6,12 and 24 hours after operation. The cosmetic satisfaction of the patients in the two groups was evaluated by numerical scoring system(NSS)at the time points of 1 and 3 months after operation. Results The operation time and hospitalization time in the endoscopic operation group were significantly shorter than those in the open operation group(P < 0. 05),and the intraoperative bleeding volume and postopera-tive drainage volume in the endoscopic operation group were significantly lower than those in the open operation group(P <0. 05). The VAS score of pain in the endoscopic operation group was significantly lower than that in the open operation group at the time points of 6,12 and 24 hours after operation(P < 0. 05). The NSS score in the endoscopic operation group was sig-nificantly higher than that in the open operation group at the time points of 1 and 3 months after operation(P < 0. 05). The in-cidence of complications in the endoscopic operation group and the open operation group was 12. 90％(8 / 62)and 39. 66％(23 / 58)respectively,the incidence of complications in the endoscopic operation group was significantly lower than that in the open operation group(χ2 = 11. 210,P < 0. 05). Conclusion Endoscopic thyroidectomy is reliable in the treatment of benign thyroid diseases. It has the advantages of small trauma,short operation time,quick recovery,light postoperative pain,small sur-gical scar and fewer complications and so on.

Application of intraoperative neuromonitoring during endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To explore the technique and significance of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) for scarless in the neck endoscopic thyroidectomy (SET) via breast approach.Methods From Apr.2015 to Oct.2015,101 consecutive patients undergoing SET with IONM were included.During the operation,patients received radical resection of the thyroid cancer by Wang's seven-step method.The lymph nodes in the central area were dissected and Wang's multi-functional separation forceps were implemented for recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) positioning,monitoring and protection.Also,time required for RLN positioning and exposure,postoperative transient and permanent RLN damage incidence were calculated to assess the feasibility of IONM under SET.Results Among 101 patients,130 RLNs in total were exposed.The average time required for RLN positioning under IONM was (3.26 ± 1.08)min,with round-nerve management time of (13.95 ± 4.58)min.Nerve signal change happened in 16.9％(22/130) patients.Positive predictive value was 13.6％ and negative predictive value was 100％.The overall accuracy rate was 85.4％.Conclusion IONM during SET is feasible,and can be helpful for the localization and functional protection of RLN and was useful to predict vocal cord paralysis.

Comparative study between total endoscopic thyroidectomy and conventional open thyroidectomy / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To conduct a meta-analysis to explore the merits and disadvantage of total endoscopic thyroidectomy and conventional open thyriodectomy.Methods A database searching was performed on the Chinese BioMedical Literature on disc(CBM),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),wanfang database,VIP database and PubMed database.Prospective randomized controlled studies about total endoscopic thyroidectomy and conventional open thyroidectomy were selected and analyzed.RevMan 5.2 was used for statistical analysis.Results Eleven studies matched the selection criteria,which involved 1082 patients,among whom 505 patients underwent total endoscopic thyrodiectomy (endoscopy group) and 577 patients underwent conventional open thyroidectomy (open group).Outcomes of total endoscopy group and open group in satisfaction,operation time,drainage fluid,complications and post-operative hospital stay etc were compared.Meta analysis showed endoscopy group were supeior to open group in terms of intraoperative blood loss (WMD＝-17.86,95％ CI:[-26.18,-9.54]),postoperative hospital stay (WMD＝-0.95,95％ CI:[-1.40,-0.50])and patients' satisfaction (WMD＝4.03,95％ CI:[1.20,13.58])while the operation time was longer in endoscopy group than in open group (WMD＝12.61,95％ CI:[2.85,22.38]).There was no statistical significance on postoperative drainage(WMD＝ -0.70,95％ CI:[-32.79,31.39]) or complications (RR＝0.84,95％ CI:[0.54,1.29])for the two groups.Conclusions Total endoscopic thyriodectomy has advantages in terms of satisfaction,post-operative hospital stay,and intraopetative blood loss while it takes more operation time.There is no difference among drainage fluid or complication.

Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Via the Cervico-axillary Approach for Thyroid Cancer: Initial Experience in a Single Institute / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Endoscopic thyroidectomy using a cervico-axillary approach (CAA) provides optimal visualization with a smaller dissection plane. Despite the excellent cosmetic results and high patient satisfaction, the surgical and oncologic safety of CAA endoscopic surgery has not been fully established. The present study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and surgical outcomes of CAA endoscopic thyroidectomy. METHODS: From October 2009 to April 2012, 100 patients with papillary thyroid cancer underwent CAA endoscopic thyroidectomy. Patient demographics, pathologic features, and surgical outcomes including complications and recurrence were collected. RESULTS: CAA endoscopic thyroidectomy was successful in all patients, and none required conversion to open thyroidectomy. All patients underwent ipsilateral thyroid lobectomy with or without central compartment neck dissection. The mean tumor size was 1.0±0.6 cm (range, 0.5~1.6), and 35.0% of tumors showed extrathyroidal extension. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 4.1±4.4, and metastasis was found in 12.0% of patients. The mean surgical time was 175.2±50.4 min, mean intraoperative blood loss was 42.5±69.2 ml, and the mean hospital stay was 3.3±0.6 days. There were five cases of postoperative transient hypocalcemia and eight cases of vocal cord palsy. No permanent complication or postoperative bleeding was observed. Patients continued to be seen for a median period of 63.7 months, and no recurrence of thyroid cancer was seen. CONCLUSION: CAA endoscopic thyroidectomy is a feasible and safe procedure for low-risk thyroid cancer, with excellent cosmesis. It can be recommended as an alternative option for selected patients with low-risk thyroid cancer.

Application of mini instrument in breatt approach endoscopic thyroidectomy: A report of 40 cases / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the clinical value of mini instruments in breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy (BAET). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 40 patients receiving BAET with mini instrument in our department of Changzheng Hospital from Sep. 2012 to Dec. 2013. The average age of patients was (33. 53 + 8. 76) years old and the tumor size was (21. 10 + 10. 96) mm. According to intraoperative frozen pathology, 19 cases underwent unilateral lobectomy, six cases underwent subtotal thyroidectomy, seven cases underwent total thyroidectomy, and eight cases underwent radical resection of thyroid carcinoma. Results Forty BAET procedures with mini instruments were completed successfully without conversion to open operation, and the complete tumor resection was achieved in all cases. The average operative time was (112. 25 + 31. 52) min in the patients, and the VAS-12 h, VAS-24 h, VAS-48 h and RSS (cosmetic score) were 2. 48 + 1. 13, 0. 85 + 0. 8, 0. 25 + 0. 44 and 8. 75 + 1. 26, respectively. Four patients had temporary hypocalcemia and one had recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis after operation. Conclusion Application of mini instruments in BEAT can make endoscopic thyroidectomy less invasive and can improve the cosmetic results, without increasing the surgical difficulty and complications.

Different surgical approaches of endoscopic thyroidectomy for patients with separation of flap size,complications and the corresponding damage / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of trans-axillary single-port and bilateral breast of ipsilateral axillary approach in endoscopic thyroidectomy on area of skin flap ,complications and the corresponding impact damage .Methods A total of 72 patients who were underwent either BBIAA or TASPET in our hospital from February 2013 to April 2015,were divided into BBIAA group and TASPET group ,each group had 36 cases.The area of skin flap ,complications and the corresponding impact damage between two surgical methods were compared .Results The average separation of the flap area in TASPET group was significantly higher than that in BBIAA group (P<0.01).The VAS score of BBIAA group was (0.24 ±0.39) point,which was lower than (1.85 ±1.37)point of TASPET group,the difference was significant(P<0. 01 ) .The patients of BBIAA group had no complications ,while there were 10 patients suffered complications in TASPET group ,and the differ-ence of postoperative complications was significant (P<0.01).Conclusion Bilateral breast and ipsilateral axillary approach have the advan-tage of less operative time ,smaller separation of the flap area ,lower complication incidence and less damage on parathyroid gland and nerve , which had an ideal safety and cosmetic result .

Robotic thyroidectomy: Evolution and Outcomes / 한양의대학술지

Recently robotic thyroidectomy has gained its popularity for the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer and benign thyroid tumors. It has been developed to overcome the drawbacks of conventional open trans-cervical thyroidectomy, which is an apparent neck wound that is visible unless concealed with clothes. Robotic thyroidectomy provides surgeons with three-dimensional magnified view and multiarticulated robotic arms that can stabilize hand tremors. It also has advantages over conventional trans-cervical thyroidectomy that include recovery of voice symptoms and acoustic parameters along with superior cosmetic outcomes. Robotic thyroidectomy results in equivalent surgical outcomes including oncologic safety and complications compared with conventional thyroidectomy. Various approaches including transaxillary, postauricular facelift, and breast-axillary approaches have been developed for robotic thyroidectomy. Recently, the indication of robotic surgery has been extended to neck dissection of the lateral compartment. Herein we summarize the indication, procedures, and efficacy of robotic thyroidectomy, and also introduce our experience with robotic thyroidectomy.

Application of expansion liquid of ropivacaine hydrochloride during endoscopic thyroidectomy / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To study the effects of expansion of ropivacaine hydrochloride liquid on the postoperative analgesia,sedation, hemodynamic effects and adverse drug reactions of the patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy,and to explore its clinical effectiveness and safety. Methods:Forty patients who were to undergo endoscopic thyroidectomy via chest-breast approach were randomly assigned to saline solution group and expansion liquid of ropivacine hydrochloride group (ropivacaine group,n = 20).The mean arterial pressure (MAP )and heart rate (HR)were also evaluated at the following time points:preoperative evaluation (T0 ),before local anesthetic infiltration (T1 ),at the end of the operation (T2 );the blood loss,the operation time,the postoperative drainage,and the hospital duration of the patients in two groups were recorded; the nausea and vomiting,the respiratory depression,the toxicity response,the infection,and the recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during 24 h after operation were recorded.The postoperative pain scores were assessed at extubaltion (T3 ),30 min (T4 ),2 h (T5 ),6 h (T6 ),12 h (T7 )and 24 h (T8 )after extubation using Visual Analog Scale (VAS).The postoperative Ramsay scores were assessed at T3 and T4 .Results:There were no significant differences in MAP and HR at T0 and T1 of the patients between two groups (P >0.05).Compared with saline solution group,the MAP and HR at T2 and T3 of the patients in ropivacaine group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).There were significant differences in the blood loss,the operation time, the postoperative drainage,and the hospital duration of the patients between two groups (P <0.05).The number of patients required postoperative analgesia and the number patients with nausea and vomiting in ropivacaine group were decreased compared with saline solution group (P <0.05).Compared with saline group,the VAS scores at T3 ,T4 ,T5 ,T6 ,T7 and T8 of the patients in ropivacaine group were significantly decreased (P <0.05);the Ramsay scores at T3 and T4 of the patients in ropivacaine group were also decreased significantly (P <0.05).Conclusion:Expansion liquid of ropivacaine hydrochloride can reduce the stress response during endoscopic thyroidectomy effectively and reduce the postoperative pain and injury induced by operation.

Transaxillary Endoscopic Thyroidectomy versus Conventional Open Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Cancer: 5-year Surgical Outcomes / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: The early surgical outcomes of endoscopic thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are comparable to those of conventional open thyroidectomy; however, there is little evidence about long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the 5-year surgical outcomes of endoscopic versus open thyroidectomy. METHODS: We reviewed 804 patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy between October 2008 and October 2010. Of these, 703 patients received conventional open thyroidectomy (OT group) and 101patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET group). The clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between those treatments. RESULTS: ET was applied significantly more often in young patients and females. The lobectomy and unilateral CCND were performed more frequently in ET, and the mean tumor size was smaller. The prevalence of extrathyroidal extension, multiplicity, and lymphatic invasion was more frequent in OT. The T and TNM stage were more advanced in OT, whereas the N status was similar between treatments. The mean surgical time was significantly longer for ET, while the number of retrieved lymph nodes was greater in OT. However, the stimulated thyroglobulin levels at first RAI ablation, total amount of RAI administration and 5-year recurrence rate did not significantly differ between groups. The incidence of transient hypocalcemia was significantly higher in OT, but the incidence of permanent hypocalcemia and transient/permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic thyroidectomy might be a safe and effective procedure in well-selected PTC patients