Gasless endoscopic thyroid and parathyroid surgery using a new retractor.

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Endoscopic thyroid and parathyroid surgery are established procedures.
• Gasless endoscopic techniques offer advantages but can provide limited working space compared to CO2 insufflation.
• A novel retractor design may overcome space limitations in gasless endoscopic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of gasless endoscopic surgery for thyroid and parathyroid tumors using a newly designed retractor.
• To assess the adequacy of the working space created by the new retractor.
• To determine the rate of recurrent laryngeal nerve preservation.

Main Methods:

• Gasless endoscopic surgery was performed in 20 patients with thyroid or parathyroid tumors.
• A newly designed retractor was utilized to create the working space.
• Intraoperative visualization and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve were primary endpoints.

Main Results:

• Gasless endoscopic surgery was successfully completed in all 20 patients without conversion to open surgery.
• The newly designed retractor provided sufficient working space for the procedures.
• The recurrent laryngeal nerve was visualized and preserved in all patients, with no instances of nerve palsy.

Conclusions:

• The novel retractor facilitates adequate working space for gasless endoscopic thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
• Gasless endoscopic surgery using this technique is a feasible and safe option for treating thyroid and parathyroid tumors.
• The technique demonstrates a high rate of recurrent laryngeal nerve preservation.