Endoscopic Thyroidectomy With Level Vb Dissection Via a Chest-breast Approach: Technical Updates for Selective...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Endocrine Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Traditional open thyroidectomy can result in visible neck scarring.
• Endoscopic approaches offer potential cosmetic benefits and reduced invasiveness.
• Level Vb lymph node dissection is crucial for certain thyroid cancer staging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy incorporating level Vb lymph node dissection via a chest-breast approach.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this novel surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 12 patients undergoing endoscopic thyroidectomy with chest-breast approach and level Vb dissection.
• Data collected included demographic information, surgical outcomes, and adverse events.
• Comparison with previously reported endoscopic lateral neck dissections.

Main Results:

• Successful completion in all 12 cases without conversion to open surgery.
• Average dissection times: 154.6 minutes (total), 276.3 minutes (lateral neck).
• Low complication rate: 1 lymphatic leakage, 2 transient hypocalcemia; no major adverse events or recurrence observed.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic thyroidectomy with level Vb dissection using a chest-breast approach is feasible.
• This technique provides an alternative surgical option for papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with metastasis in levels II, III, IV, and Vb.