Endoscopic thyroidectomy: Which one is the better technique for the beginners?

Endoscopic thyroidectomy is an advanced procedure and has a long learning curve. Most commonly employed approach is combined axillary-breast approach (ABA). Recently, transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is being popularised as a scarless procedure. However, it is not established whether TOETVA or ABA approach is better to begin with.

The purpose of the study was to compare the initial experience of TOETVA and ABA with respect to difficulties and outcomes.

A prospective non-randomised interventional study was conducted including the initial ten patients in each group who underwent hemithyroidectomy for benign solitary thyroid nodule. Sigma plot version 12.3 was used for the statistical analysis.

All the patients were female and comparable with respect to age (33.2 vs. 28.2 years) and size of nodule (2.7 vs. 3 cm) (TOETVA vs. ABA). The operative time (121 vs. 138.5 min, P = 0.34) and blood loss (50 vs. 60 ml, P = 0.9) were similar in both the groups. Even though the flap raising time was significantly less with TOETVA group (29.3 vs. 47.2 min, P < 0.001), it was associated with more difficulty in approaching upper pole (P = 0.02) and lower pole (P < 0.001), more intra-operative events (30% vs. 10%, P = 0.58) and conversions to open (20% vs. 10%, P = 1). Similarly, post-operative pain scoring was more with TOETVA (3 vs. 2, P = 0.04). Hospital stay was similar in both the groups (2.5 vs. 3 days, P = 1). Patients in both the groups had both overall and cosmetic satisfaction.

Axillary-breast approach should be preferred to start learning the endoscopic thyroidectomy, as it is easier and safer than transoral endoscopic vestibular approach.