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Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach
Published on: September 15, 2023
Single-incision endoscopic thyroidectomy by the axillary approach
Dosang Lee1, Yuhee Nam, Kiyoung Sung
1Department of Surgery, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea.
Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. Part A
|November 26, 2010
Summary
Single-incision endoscopic thyroidectomy (SIET) via the axillary approach offers a safe and feasible option for treating thyroid tumors. This minimally invasive technique provides excellent cosmetic results with no reported complications.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Endocrine Surgery
Background:
- Advancements in endoscopic technology drive interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
- Conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy presents disadvantages, primarily its invasiveness due to extensive dissection.
- Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is gaining traction for reducing scars and postoperative pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the initial clinical experiences and feasibility of single-incision endoscopic thyroidectomies (SIETs) using an axillary approach.
- To assess the safety and cosmetic outcomes of SIET via the axillary approach.
Main Methods:
- Four consecutive patients underwent SIETs utilizing standard laparoscopic instruments via an axillary approach.
- Analysis included tumor size, operative time, hospital stay, complications, and cosmetic results.
Main Results:
- All four SIET procedures were successfully completed in female patients.
- The mean age of patients was 35.6 years, with a mean operative time of 160 minutes.
- No complications were reported, and all patients expressed high satisfaction with the cosmetic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Single-incision endoscopic thyroidectomy (SIET) through the axillary approach is a safe and viable treatment option for patients with thyroid tumors.
- This technique potentially offers improved cosmesis and reduced invasiveness compared to conventional methods.

