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Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach
Published on: September 15, 2023
Transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy: an alternative to traditional open thyroidectomy.
Titus D Duncan1, Qammar Rashid, Fredne Speights
1Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA. titusduncan@gmail.com
Journal of the National Medical Association
|September 1, 2009
Summary
Transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy offers excellent aesthetic results by avoiding neck scars. This safe surgical alternative is particularly beneficial for patients prone to hypertrophic scarring.
Area of Science:
- Endocrine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Traditional thyroidectomy involves neck incisions, potentially causing visible scarring, hypesthesia, paresthesia, and increased patient self-awareness.
- Darker-skin ethnicities may be more prone to hyperplastic and keloid scar formation from traditional neck incisions.
- Endoscopic thyroidectomy using an axillary approach aims to conceal incisions and improve cosmetic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy.
- To highlight the cosmetic advantages of this technique, especially for patients with a tendency for hypertrophic scarring.
Main Methods:
- A review of a series of transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomies performed between August 2003 and January 2008.
- The study included 53 patients, with 41 of African descent, undergoing thyroid resection via the transaxillary endoscopic approach.
Main Results:
- All 53 patients successfully completed thyroidectomy using the transaxillary endoscopic approach.
- The procedure demonstrated feasibility and safety in the studied patient cohort.
Conclusions:
- Transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy achieves excellent aesthetic results with no visible neck scarring.
- This technique is a safe alternative to traditional open thyroidectomy for select patients with benign thyroid disease, offering added benefits for those prone to hypertrophic scarring.
