Experience on the prevention of severe complications of endoscopic thyroidectomy / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the experience on the prevention of severe complications of endoscopic thyroidectomy.Methods Twelve cases of bilateral lesions underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via precordial approach and 41 cases of unilateral lesions, via subaxillary approach. A subcutaneous channel, with a width of about 5 cm from the incision site to the thyroid, was made by using self-made instruments. The CO 2 pressure was set at 4 mm Hg. By ultrasonic scalpel the lesions were divided and removed. Results There were 41 cases of thyroid adenoma (unilateral, 34 cases; bilateral, 7 cases) and 12 cases of nodular goiter (unilateral, 7 cases; bilateral, 5 cases). Postoperative subcutaneous hematoma occurred in 1 case and was cured by conservative management. No nerve damage or parathyroid complications were observed. Conclusions Application of ultrasonic scalpel and continued low cavity pressure are effective means for preventing complications in endoscopic thyroidectomy.