Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy by Vestibular Approach with Central Lymph Node Dissection for Thyroid...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy by vestibular approach (TOETVA) offers a minimally invasive option for thyroid microcarcinoma (TMC).
• Despite its development, TOETVA is not yet routinely performed worldwide.
• Demonstrating feasibility and safety in clinical practice is crucial for wider adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy by vestibular approach (TOETVA) for thyroid microcarcinoma (TMC).
• To assess oncological outcomes, surgical results, and cosmetic satisfaction in patients undergoing TOETVA.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 29 patients with clinically node-negative TMC.
• All patients underwent thyroidectomy and prophylactic central lymph node dissection using the TOETVA technique.
• Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical outcomes, and cosmetic results were systematically evaluated.

Main Results:

• The majority of procedures (72.4%) involved thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy.
• An average of 7.8 central lymph nodes were retrieved per patient, with 24.1% showing metastasis.
• The mean operative time was 121.2 minutes, with low complication rates including transient hoarseness and one hematoma.

Conclusions:

• Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy by vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a new and viable technique for TMC treatment in Vietnam.
• Initial oncological, complication, and cosmetic results support the application of TOETVA for TMC.
• The study supports the feasibility and safety of TOETVA in clinical practice for TMC management.