Transaxillary endoscopic thyroid lobectomy: gas insufflation versus gasless technique

Area of Science:

• Endocrine Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Transaxillary endoscopic thyroid lobectomy is a minimally invasive approach.
• Comparing surgical techniques is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Evaluating gas insufflation versus gasless methods provides insights into surgical efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare clinical outcomes of gas insufflation and gasless techniques in transaxillary endoscopic thyroid lobectomy.
• To assess complications, postoperative pain, hospital stay, and ectopic thyroid tissue.
• To determine the preferred technique for transaxillary endoscopic thyroid lobectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 60 patients undergoing transaxillary endoscopic thyroid lobectomy (June 2011-August 2019).
• Patients divided into gas insufflation (38) and gasless (22) technique groups.
• Comparison of operative time, blood loss, drainage, hospital stay, pain scores (VAS), and ectopic thyroid tissue.

Main Results:

• Gas insufflation group showed significantly shorter operative time (209.3 min vs. 267.6 min) and less blood loss (10 mL vs. 30 mL).
• Gas insufflation also resulted in less drainage (10 mL vs. 81.5 mL) and shorter hospital stay (1.5 days vs. 1.8 days).
• No significant difference in postoperative pain scores or iatrogenic ectopic thyroid tissue was observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• Gas insufflation technique in transaxillary endoscopic thyroid lobectomy leads to improved surgical outcomes.
• Benefits include reduced operative time, blood loss, drainage, and hospital stay.
• Comparable results in postoperative pain and complications suggest gas insufflation is a favorable approach.