First Experience of Single-Port Robotic Areolar Approach Thyroidectomy

Objectives@#. Numerous minimally invasive thyroidectomy techniques have been developed and are actively utilized in hospitals around the globe. Herein, we describe a recently developed minimally invasive thyroidectomy technique that employs the da Vinci SP, and we present the preliminary clinical outcomes of single-port robotic areolar thyroidectomy (SPRA). @*Methods@#. A 3-cm semi-circular incision on the right areola and a small 8-mm incision on the left areola were created. Using hydro-dissection and an advanced bipolar device, a subcutaneous skin flap was created, extending from the areola to the thyroid cartilage. The da Vinci SP was then inserted through the incision in the right areola. Between December 2022 and March 2023, 21 SPRA procedures were conducted. Patients’ medical records and surgical videos were subsequently reviewed. @*Results@#. Lobectomy was performed in 17 patients, isthmectomy in 2 patients, and total thyroidectomy in 2 patients. The mean flap time was 14.9±4.2 minutes and the console time was 62.4±17.1 minutes. The mean tumor size was 0.89± 0.65 cm and the number of retrieved lymph nodes was 3.94±3.98 (range, 0–12). There were no observed instances of vocal cord palsy or hypoparathyroidism. @*Conclusion@#. We successfully developed and performed the novel SPRA for the first time worldwide. Unlike other robotic surgery methods, SPRA is less invasive and leaves no visible scars. This technique employs a sophisticated single-port robotic device. However, to assess the efficacy of this method, we need to analyze more cases and conduct comparative studies in the near future.

Anti-adhesive effect and safety of a thermosensitive adhesion barrier (Mediclore) for thyroid surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Purpose@#Postoperative adhesions after thyroidectomy adversely affect patients’ quality of life. This study assessed the anti-adhesive effect and safety of thermosensitive sol-gel agents for patients undergoing thyroidectomy. @*Methods@#A double-blind parallel-group randomized clinical trial involving patients aged 20–70 years undergoing thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules was conducted. From August 2017 to April 2020, 90 patients were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 45, thermosensitive sol-gel agent applied to the surgical site) and control (n = 45, no treatment) groups in a 1:1 ratio. All patients were assessed using a questionnaire for swallowing difficulty, wrinkle problems, and inflammation at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after thyroid surgery. For reoperated patients, the degree of adhesion was evaluated according to the adhesion-evaluation score system (range, 0–4). @*Results@#During the follow-up period of 6.50 ± 1.38 months, the swallowing difficulty, wrinkle problem, and inflammation were improved in both groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the control and experimental groups related to swallowing difficulty, wrinkle problems, and inflammation. Two patients in the control group and 1 in the experimental group who underwent reoperation had an adhesion-evaluation score of 3 points. There were no adverse effects or allergic reactions. @*Conclusion@#A thermosensitive sol-gel agent can be safely used as an anti-adhesive barrier. However, this study did not reveal its efficacy for postoperative adhesions. A more objective and systematic study is required in the future.

Initial Experience With Robotic Modified Radical Neck Dissection Using the da Vinci Xi System Through the Bilateral Axillo-Breast Approach

Objectives@#. The bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) to robotic thyroidectomy has been extended to modified radical neck dissection (MRND). This study assessed outcomes in patients who underwent robotic MRND through BABA using the da Vinci Xi system. @*Methods@#. The medical records of 40 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, bilateral central neck dissection, and MRND from September 2018 to March 2020 were reviewed retrospectively, including 12 who underwent robotic surgery and 28 who underwent open surgery. All operations were performed by a single endocrine surgeon. @*Results@#. The operation time was significantly longer in the robotic group than in the open group (277.08±32.64 vs. 191.43± 60.43 minutes, respectively, P<0.01), but the number of retrieved lymph nodes did not differ significantly (32.58± 9.31 vs. 34.54±10.90, respectively, P=0.569). The incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly lower in the robotic group (16.7% [2/12] vs. 53.6% [15/28], P=0.041). The mean hospital stay was shorter (3.92±0.90 vs. 4.71±1.63 days) and the pain score on the first postoperative day was lower (2.92±0.29 vs. 3.18±0.67) in the robotic group. Six of the 12 patients (50%) in the robotic group had stimulated thyroglobulin levels <1.0 ng/mL. @*Conclusion@#. Robotic MRND through BABA has several advantages, including excellent cosmetic outcomes and a lower incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism than is the case for open MRND. Robotic MRND through BABA may be a promising surgical approach compared with conventional open MRND.

Initial Experience of Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Using Bilateral Axillary Breast and Transoral Vestibular Approach in Georgia

Purpose@#Remote access thyroid surgery using a bilateral axillary breast approach (BABA) or a transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) are increasingly performed worldwide. In the Caucasus, these methods were first applied in the Republic of Georgia. This study compares these two methods of endoscopic thyroid surgery performed on patients in a tertiary hospital in Tbilisi, Georgia. @*Methods@#Between December 2015 and January 2018, 41 patients underwent endoscopic thyroid surgery at the Aversi Clinic, including 32 who underwent BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy for benign nodules and nine who underwent TOETVA for thyroid cancers. Patients’ medical records were retrospectively reviewed. @*Results@#Tumors were significantly larger (2.38±0.38 cm versus 1.70±0.31 cm, p value <0.001), operation time was significantly longer (177.66±21.02 min versus 116.66±5.59 min, p value <0.001), and blood loss was significantly greater (149.07±28.10 ml versus 102.22±8.33 ml, p value <0.001) in patients who underwent BABA than TOETVA. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#Remote access thyroid surgery, either BABA or TOETVA, was successfully started, without harmful complications, at the Aversi Clinic in Tbilisi, Georgia. BABA is suitable for large sized benign nodules and TOETVA for thyroid cancers with central lymph node dissection.

Comparative study of bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy: propensity score matching analysis of large multi-institutional data

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to compare the large multi-institutional data of surgical outcomes of bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic (RT) and endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and to evaluate the merits of robotic thyroidectomy. @*Methods@#From 2004 to 2015, 1,029 patients underwent BABA ET, and from 2008 to 2015, 2003 patients underwent BABA RT in 3 large volume centers in Korea. Two groups were retrospectively compared in terms of clinicopathologic characteristics, complications, surgical completeness, and long-term outcomes using propensity score matching analysis. @*Results@#Both groups had similar demographic characteristics including age, sex, tumor size, pathologic stage, and hospital stay after matching. Each group had similar rate of transient hypoparathyroidism, however, ET showed significantly higher rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism (ET 5.2% vs. RT 2.3%, P = 0.05), and transient vocal cord palsy (ET 14.4% vs. RT 9.1%, P = 0.006). Total operation time was longer in the ET group irrespective of surgical extents, including lobectomy (P = 0.016), total thyroidectomy (P = 0.031), and total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection (P = 0.019). The rate of patients with off-Tg under 1.0 ng/mL after 1st ablation was significantly higher in RT than ET group (ET 64.6% vs. RT 92.7%, P < 0.001). In long-term follow-up of cancer patients, 1.4% experienced recurrence after ET (10 cases), while 0.3% cases experienced recurrence after RT (5 cases) (P < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Both ET and RT can be safe and effective methods to treat thyroid diseases. However, the application of robotic system may help to overcome the limitations of the instruments and surgeon’s skills.

Comparative study of bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy: propensity score matching analysis of large multi-institutional data

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to compare the large multi-institutional data of surgical outcomes of bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic (RT) and endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and to evaluate the merits of robotic thyroidectomy. @*Methods@#From 2004 to 2015, 1,029 patients underwent BABA ET, and from 2008 to 2015, 2003 patients underwent BABA RT in 3 large volume centers in Korea. Two groups were retrospectively compared in terms of clinicopathologic characteristics, complications, surgical completeness, and long-term outcomes using propensity score matching analysis. @*Results@#Both groups had similar demographic characteristics including age, sex, tumor size, pathologic stage, and hospital stay after matching. Each group had similar rate of transient hypoparathyroidism, however, ET showed significantly higher rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism (ET 5.2% vs. RT 2.3%, P = 0.05), and transient vocal cord palsy (ET 14.4% vs. RT 9.1%, P = 0.006). Total operation time was longer in the ET group irrespective of surgical extents, including lobectomy (P = 0.016), total thyroidectomy (P = 0.031), and total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection (P = 0.019). The rate of patients with off-Tg under 1.0 ng/mL after 1st ablation was significantly higher in RT than ET group (ET 64.6% vs. RT 92.7%, P < 0.001). In long-term follow-up of cancer patients, 1.4% experienced recurrence after ET (10 cases), while 0.3% cases experienced recurrence after RT (5 cases) (P < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Both ET and RT can be safe and effective methods to treat thyroid diseases. However, the application of robotic system may help to overcome the limitations of the instruments and surgeon’s skills.

Transoral endoscopic surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma: initial experiences of a single surgeon in South Korea

PURPOSE: The transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery vestibular approach (TOETVA) is one of the newest techniques which do not result in an anterior neck scar. We report herein our initial experience with TOETVA and its short-term outcomes in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: This case series consisted of all consecutive patients who underwent TOETVA in our institution between August 2016 and June 2017. Indications for TOETVA were an fine needle aspiration-confirmed PTC or follicular neoplasm, an intrathyroidal tumor with a diameter of less than 2 cm, and no clinical evidence of central or lateral lymph node metastasis. A total of 20 patients underwent TOETVA and we retrospectively reviewed clinicopathologic data and short-term postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 20 TOETVA cases, 7 were total thyroidectomy, 12 were lobectomy and 1 was wide isthmusectomy. Mean age was 50.8 years and mean operation time was 152 ± 51.4 minutes. Tumor size ranged from 0.2–1.4 cm and the mean size of harvested central lymph nodes was 2.8 (range, 0–10). Neither mental nerve injury nor surgical site infection occurred. One patient had transient vocal cord palsy and 1 patient developed a neck seroma. Among 7 total thyroidectomy patients, 3 patients developed transient hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: Transoral thyroid surgery could be an alternative surgical option for some PTC patients.

Preliminary study on application of augmented reality visualization in robotic thyroid surgery

PURPOSE: Increased robotic surgery is attended by increased reports of complications, largely due to limited operative view and lack of tactile sense. These kinds of obstacles, which seldom occur in open surgery, are challenging for beginner surgeons. To enhance robotic surgery safety, we created an augmented reality (AR) model of the organs around the thyroid glands, and tested the AR model applicability in robotic thyroidectomy. METHODS: We created AR images of the thyroid gland, common carotid arteries, trachea, and esophagus using preoperative CT images of a thyroid carcinoma patient. For a preliminary test, we overlaid the AR images on a 3-dimensional printed model at five different angles and evaluated its accuracy using Dice similarity coefficient. We then overlaid the AR images on the real-time operative images during robotic thyroidectomy. RESULTS: The Dice similarity coefficients ranged from 0.984 to 0.9908, and the mean of the five different angles was 0.987. During the entire process of robotic thyroidectomy, the AR images were successfully overlaid on the real-time operative images using manual registration. CONCLUSION: We successfully demonstrated the use of AR on the operative field during robotic thyroidectomy. Although there are currently limitations, the use of AR in robotic surgery will become more practical as the technology advances and may contribute to the enhancement of surgical safety.

Augmented Reality to Localize Individual Organ in Surgical Procedure / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: Augmented reality (AR) technology has become rapidly available and is suitable for various medical applications since it can provide effective visualization of intricate anatomical structures inside the human body. This paper describes the procedure to develop an AR app with Unity3D and Vuforia software development kit and publish it to a smartphone for the localization of critical tissues or organs that cannot be seen easily by the naked eye during surgery. METHODS: In this study, Vuforia version 6.5 integrated with the Unity Editor was installed on a desktop computer and configured to develop the Android AR app for the visualization of internal organs. Three-dimensional segmented human organs were extracted from a computerized tomography file using Seg3D software, and overlaid on a target body surface through the developed app with an artificial marker. RESULTS: To aid beginners in using the AR technology for medical applications, a 3D model of the thyroid and surrounding structures was created from a thyroid cancer patient's DICOM file, and was visualized on the neck of a medical training mannequin through the developed AR app. The individual organs, including the thyroid, trachea, carotid artery, jugular vein, and esophagus were localized by the surgeon's Android smartphone. CONCLUSIONS: Vuforia software can help even researchers, students, or surgeons who do not possess computer vision expertise to easily develop an AR app in a user-friendly manner and use it to visualize and localize critical internal organs without incision. It could allow AR technology to be extensively utilized for various medical applications.

Addition of funding statement: Clinical characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from the pyramidal lobe

We want to add funding statement in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS section of this article.

Clinical characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from the pyramidal lobe

PURPOSE: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) arising from the pyramidal lobe is rare; therefore, clinicopathologic evaluation is lacking. In addition, the rate of occult malignancy in the pyramidal lobe after thyroid surgery is unclear. This study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of PTCs that involve the pyramidal lobe. METHODS: The study enrolled 1,107 patients who underwent thyroid surgery for PTC at Seoul National University Hospital from 2006 to 2015. Pyramidal lobe status in pathologic reports was clear in all cases. “Pyramidal lobe-dominant PTC” was defined as single pyramidal lobe cancer or multifocal cancer with larger pyramidal lobe tumor. “Incidental pyramidal lobe PTC” was defined as occult cancer identified after thyroidectomy or as multifocal cancer with smaller pyramidal lobe tumor. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the pyramidal lobe-dominant PTC group. The mean age was 58 ± 12.5 years, and the mean tumor size was 0.7 ± 0.7 cm. Cervical lymph node metastasis was found in 5 patients (50%). Three patients had microscopic lymphatic invasion, and 7 had advanced American Joint Comitee on Cancer (AJCC) stage disease (5 with stage III and 2 with stage IV). Compared with conventional PTC (n = 1,058), pyramidal lobe-dominant PTC was significantly associated with lymphatic invasion (P = 0.031) and advanced AJCC stage (P = 0.022). The prevalence of incidental pyramidal lobe PTC was 3.56%. CONCLUSION: Pyramidal lobe PTC is relatively small in size; however, the rate of extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis is high. Preoperative evaluation of nodal status is important, and the extent of surgery should be determined in accordance with the preoperative diagnosis.

Postoperative Adhesion after Thyroid Surgery / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Postoperative adhesion after thyroidectomy results in neck discomfort and swallowing difficulty. However, risk factors for adhesive symptom after thyroidectomy have not been well studied. This study evaluated symptoms related to postoperative adhesion after thyroidectomy. METHODS: The Glasgow-Edinburgh Throat Scale (GETS) questionnaire was used to evaluate postoperative adhesion. Patients who completed the GETS questionnaire either pre- or post-operatively were enrolled. Patient clinical and pathological details including age, gender, body weight, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, thyroid volume, extent of thyroidectomy, postoperative months, and neck thickness on ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) were abstracted. RESULTS: Twenty-eight preoperative (22 females, six males) and 101 postoperative (83 females, 18 males) patients were enrolled. The mean age of the pre-operative enrollees was 52.1±11.7, and of post-operative enrollees 51.8±12.4 years. Patients who were within one month post-surgery had higher GETS scores than preoperative patients (27.4±20.1 vs. 6.5±11.1, P<0.001). Two months after surgery, GETS scores of postoperative patients did not differ significantly from the scores of the preoperative patients. There were no significant associations between clinical and pathologic features (age, tumor size, BMI, neck thickness on ultrasonography and CT) and GETS scores. CONCLUSION: Postoperative adhesive symptoms were most severe at one month after surgery, while questionnaire scores two months after surgery were comparable with preoperative patients. Further studies will be required for better understanding of the natural course of postoperative adhesion after thyroidectomy.

Clinicopathologic Features in Minimally Invasive Follicular Thyroid Cancer Patients with Distant Metastasis / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Although minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (MIFTC) is considered a thyroid tumor with low malignant potential, some MIFTC can spread, metastasize, and eventually lead to death. This study investigates the risk factors for distant metastasis in MIFTC patients. METHODS: Between 1981 and 2014, the records of 365 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy for MIFTC at Seoul National University Hospital were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with distant metastasis. RESULTS: Of 351 patients, 10 (2.9%) presented with distant metastasis. Of these, two (0.6%) were found at the time of thyroidectomy, while eight (2.3%) were detected at later exams, over a median of 7.3 years (range, 0.2~30.8). In univariate analysis, lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) was significantly associated with distant metastasis. In multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and locoregional recurrence (P=0.008) were significantly associated with distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: Distant metastasis in MIFTC patients were associated with high-risk clinicopathologic features and more aggressive clinical courses. Further study will be needed to ascertain these results with long-term surveillance.

An exclusively dopamine secreting paraganglioma in the retroperitoneum: a first clinical case in Korea / 대한외과학회지

Exclusively dopamine producing retroperitoneal paragangliomas are extremely rare. We have experienced the first Korean case managed successfully based on the proper evaluation. A 26-year-old female patient came to our attention after the accidental detection of an adrenal mass. She had no symptoms and denied any family history. Laboratory evaluations were normal but serum dopamine (425 ng/L) and 24-hour urine dopamine levels (1,565.3 microg/day) were elevated. She underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. Histopathological diagnosis was a paraganglioma. After operation, dopamine levels in serum and 24-hour urine dropped to 0.09 ng/L and 388.4 microg/day. Dopamine producing paraganglioma elicit no clinical symptoms. Only the dopamine level is elevated in serum and 24-hour urine samples. Surgical resection without using preoperative alpha blockage is the treatment of choice. The prognosis for patients with this tumor tends to be poor because the diagnosis is usually delayed due to lack of symptoms.

Acute Arterial Thromboembolism of Upper Extremity

PURPOSE: Acute Ischemia Of The Arm Is Uncommon Compared With Events In The Leg And Much Less Attention Has Been Paid To The Management Of Acute Arterial Thromboembolism Of The Upper Extremities. The Aim Of This Study Was To Evaluate The Clinical Aspects And Treatment Outcomes Of Acute Upper Extremity Thromboembolism. METHODS: From January 2007 to March 2010, seven patients underwent the management of upper extremity thromboembolism in three Seoul National University (SNU)-affiliated hospitals. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.6 years (range 48~93 years) and 4 patients (57.1%) were female. Distribution of the thromboembolism were 4 in brachial, 1 in axillary plus brachial, 1 in ulnar and radial, and 1 in axillary artery, respectively. Time from symptom onset to presentation was 3.5 days (range 1~10 days). Primary treatment modality were Fogarty catheter embolectomy in 3 cases, bypass surgery in 1 case, and urokinase thrombolysis in 2 cases. A patient without symptoms was treated conservatively. Patients receiving primary thrombolytic therapy underwent surgical approach due to recurred thromboembolism during admission. In our 11.2 months of mean follow-up, there was recurrence but 1 patient died from cerebral infarction after 1.5 year of discharge. CONCLUSION: In this study, functional outcome of acute upper extremity ischemia following appropriate treatments was excellent. Key features of treatment are shortening the time interval of diagnosis to primary treatment, proper anticoagulation, and treatment of underlying conditions. Larger-volume, long-term results and meta-analysis of upper extremity thromboembolism are required to establish standardized treatment in Korea.