Utility of a novel elastic traction system in endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach: initial experience with 34 patients

Abstract

ObjectiveTo summarize our experiences in using an elastic traction, space-making technique for endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach in the treatment of early-stage differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach for thyroid carcinoma in our department. We used our self-developed “mini elastic traction space-maker” in a group of 34 patients; another 45 patients who underwent the procedure with the conventional CO2 insufflation method were enlisted as the control group.ResultsAll patients had successful unilateral lobectomy and central lymph node dissection (CLND) surgeries. The adoption of the intraoperative elastic traction system increased the height of the subcutaneous working space (by 1 cm) and significantly decreased the times required for lobectomy and CLND compared with the controls (46.7 ± 4.7 min vs. 50.7 ± 4.9 min). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the set-up time to create the working space.ConclusionsThe elastic traction, space-making technique is a safe and feasible technique for endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach.

“Elastic stretch cavity building” system in endoscopic thyroidectomy via the axillary approach: a case series

“…The 1.5 cm incision made at the anterior axillary line along the skin patterns horizontally was used as the entrance of the observation lens. With this more appropriate approach than the breast approach ( 16 ), postoperative upper limb dysfunction can be avoided as much as possible, ensuring cosmetic results and surgical convenience. The auxiliary incisions for operation rods on both sides were located in the position where it could be easily covered by the underwear strap and on the upper lateral plica of the breast.…”

“…The auxiliary incisions for operation rods on both sides were located in the position where it could be easily covered by the underwear strap and on the upper lateral plica of the breast. The three independent incisions could separate the channel of the endoscope from that of the operating instruments, which alleviated the interference between the endoscope and the instruments and the chopstick effect of the operating rods caused by the original single incision in the axilla ( 16 , 17 ). Therefore, the surgical difficulty was reduced and the surgical safety was improved.…”

Endoscopic Lateral Neck Dissection (IIA, IIB, III, and IV) Using a Breast Approach: Outcomes From a Series of the First 24 Cases

“…T o date, various approaches of endoscopic thyroidectomy have been adopted worldwide with the goal of avoiding neck scarring. [1][2][3][4] In order to avoid the large neck scars caused by traditional lateral neck dissection, we explored and introduced the technique of endoscopic lateral neck dissection (IIA, IIB, III, and IV) using the breast approach to treat thyroid cancer with lateral lymph node metastasis. 5 In this work, we summarized and shared outcomes of this technique after 1 short-term follow-up.…”

Pros and Cons of Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Via Vestibular Approach: A Comparative Study

“…However, with the increasing attention of doctors and patients on postoperative appearance, endoscopic thyroidectomy has been successfully applied for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer in the early stage, and various surgical approaches have been developed. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Nonetheless, all surgical approaches, except the oral approach, leave surgical scars on the body surface, which is unacceptable for patients with higher cosmetic requirements.…”