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Endoscopic completion thyroidectomy by the bilateral axillo-breast approach.
Su-jin Kim1, Kyu Eun Lee, Jun-Ho Choe
1Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy & Percutaneous Techniques
|October 27, 2010
Summary
Endoscopic completion thyroidectomy using the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) is a feasible and safe option for patients requiring a second thyroid surgery. This minimally invasive technique offers excellent cosmetic results and avoids open conversion.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) endoscopic thyroidectomy offers excellent cosmetic outcomes for various thyroid conditions.
- Completion thyroidectomy is necessary for patients diagnosed with thyroid malignancy after initial endoscopic thyroid lobectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing completion thyroidectomy using the BABA endoscopic technique.
- To assess the outcomes of endoscopic completion thyroidectomy in patients with thyroid cancer.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 13 patients who underwent completion thyroidectomy by BABA between June 2006 and February 2009.
- Patients had minimally invasive follicular or papillary thyroid carcinomas diagnosed post-endoscopic thyroid lobectomy.
- The same port sites were utilized, and the procedure involved careful identification of remnant thyroid tissue, vessels, and nerves.
Main Results:
- No open conversions were required in the 13 procedures performed.
- Transient hypocalcemia occurred in 46.2% of patients, resolving within two weeks.
- No cases of vocal cord palsy or wound infection were reported; one patient experienced minor bleeding requiring cauterization.
- Follow-up confirmed no evidence of recurrence, with excellent cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) endoscopic thyroidectomy is a feasible and safe procedure for completion thyroidectomy.
- This minimally invasive technique is a viable option for thyroid cancer patients requiring reoperation after initial endoscopic lobectomy.
