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Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA): indications, techniques and results

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Abstract

Introduction

The Transoral Neck Surgery (TONS) Study Group was established at the 1st International Thyroid NOTES Conference in February 2016 with the intention of standardizing and refining thyroid NOTES techniques, including both transoral endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy approaches. Herein, the authors report the modification of indications, preparation, and step-by-step explanations for operative techniques, as well as results and postoperative care for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA).

Methods

Between February 2015 and December 2015, a total of 200 patients comprising 8 males (4%) and 192 females (96%) underwent TOETVA using 3 laparoscopic ports inserted at the oral vestibule. Of these patients, 111 presented with single thyroid nodules (55.5%), while 66 patients had multinodular goiters (33%), 12 had Graves’ disease (6%) and 11 had papillary microcarcinoma (5.5%). The CO2 insufflation pressure was maintained at 6 mmHg. Each surgery was performed using laparoscopic instruments and ultrasonic devices.

Results

TOETVA was performed on 200 consecutive patients. No conversion to conventional open surgery was necessary. Average tumor size was 4.1 ± 1.78 cm (1–10 cm). Median operative time was 97 ± 40.5 min (45–300 min). Median blood loss was 30 ± 46.25 mL (6–300 mL). Mean visual analog scale measurements were 2.41 ± 2.04 (2–7), 1.17 ± 1.4 (0–5), and 0.47 ± 0.83 (0–3) on the first, second, and third days, respectively. Temporary hoarseness and hypoparathyroidism occurred in 8 patients (4%) and 35 patients (17.5%), respectively. No permanent hoarseness or hypoparathyroidism occurred. Mental nerve injury occurred in 3 patients (1.5%). One patient (0.5%) developed a post-operative hematoma that required open surgery. No infection was identified.

Conclusion

TOETVA was shown to be safe and feasible with a reasonable surgical duration and minimal pain scores. This approach shows promise for those patients who are motivated to avoid a neck scar.

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Funding

No grant support was received for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Minimally-Invasive and Endocrine Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Police General Hospital, 492/1 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

    Angkoon Anuwong, Thanyawat Sasanakietkul, Pornpeera Jitpratoom & Khwannara Ketwong

  2. Department of Surgery, KUMC Thyroid Center, Korea University Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea

    Hoon Yub Kim

  3. Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “G. Barresi”, Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital - Policlinico “G.Martino”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy

    Gianlorenzo Dionigi

  4. Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

    Jeremy D. Richmon

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  1. Angkoon Anuwong
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  2. Thanyawat Sasanakietkul
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  3. Pornpeera Jitpratoom
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  7. Jeremy D. Richmon
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Correspondence to Angkoon Anuwong.

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Disclosures

Dr. Angkoon Anuwong, Dr. Thanyawat Sasanakietkul, Dr. Pornpeera Jitpratoom, Dr. Khwannara Kantha, Dr. Hoon Yub Kim, Dr. Gianlorenzo Dionigi and Dr. Jeremy Richmon have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose related to the work herein.

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Anuwong, A., Sasanakietkul, T., Jitpratoom, P. et al. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA): indications, techniques and results. Surg Endosc 32, 456–465 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-017-5705-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-017-5705-8

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