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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Clinical benefits of scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy: an expert's experience
Zhi-guo Jiang1, Wei Zhang, Dao-zhen Jiang
118F Minimally Invasive Surgical Center, Changzheng Hospital, and Second Military Medical University, No 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, People's Republic of China.
Background:
By comparison with the conventional surgical approach to thyroidectomy, scarless (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy (SET) has a superior cosmetic result but a very long learning curve. The objective of the present study was to compare surgical outcomes of SET performed by an experienced surgeon with the outcomes of conventional thyroidectomy.
Method:
Enrolled in this study were 25 patients who underwent SET and 18 who underwent conventional surgery. Differences in size of tumor, length of incision, duration of operation, volume of blood loss, pathological findings, postoperative pain, complications, and cosmetic result were investigated.
Results:
The two groups were well matched. The total length of incisions and volume of blood loss of SET were significantly lower than those of conventional surgery. In addition to the superior cosmetic result, postoperative pain was significantly less severe and rates of hypesthesia or paresthesia and discomfort while swallowing were significantly lower in the endoscopy group.
Conclusions:
In experienced hands, SET offers more benefits than the conventional approach, including less postoperative pain and discomfort and a better cosmetic outcome.
