A novel technique to identify midline during endoscopic thyroidectomy

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Endocrine Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Endoscopic thyroidectomy offers cosmetic benefits and less discomfort.
• Accurate midline identification is crucial but challenging in endoscopic procedures.
• Minimally invasive endocrine surgery requires precise anatomical guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel method for marking the midline during endoscopic thyroidectomy.
• To evaluate the utility of methylene blue dye for enhancing surgical orientation.
• To reduce the risk of injury to critical structures in endoscopic thyroid surgery.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing methylene blue, a Food and Drug Administration-approved dye, for midline marking.
• Employing intraoperative ultrasonography in conjunction with the dye.
• Assessing the dye's effectiveness in improving orientation and safety during the procedure.

Main Results:

• Methylene blue clearly marks the surgical midline, aiding orientation.
• The dye helps reduce the potential for injury to critical anatomical structures.
• The method requires intraoperative ultrasonography, presenting a potential drawback.

Conclusions:

• Methylene blue dye is a promising tool for improving midline identification in endoscopic thyroidectomy.
• The technique enhances surgical safety and orientation.
• Continued research and clinical validation are essential for broader application in thyroid surgery.