Analysis of stylized operation step in the neck endoscopic thyroidectomy for 51 cases of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To summarize experience and effect of the stylized operation step in the neck endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).Methods:The clinical data of 51 patients who underwent transthoracic breast approach scarless neck endoscopic thyroidectomy (SET) from January 2018 to September 2019 in Tungwah Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively analyzed. The operative procedure used stylized operation steps: establishment of operating space, three-step method thyroidectomy, central lymph node dissection (CLND), close operating space.Results:Among 51 patients, 25 cases underwent unilateral thyroidectomy plus isthmic resection, 26 cases underwent total/near-total thyroidectomy, and 16 cases underwent preventive CLND. The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was exposed in all 51 cases, the external branches of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) was exposed in 35 cases, no procedure was converted into open neck incision thyroidectomy. Forty-two cases were followed up, 2 cases had postoperative hoarseness and unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, which were recovered 55 and 75 d after operation respectively. There was no bucking, voice blunt or permanent low calcium. One patient had abnormal sensation of neck skin after operation, and recovered gradually 3 months after operation.Conclusions:The stylized operation step in the SET can increase safety of surgery.