Retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy: initial single-institution experiences.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Conventional thyroidectomy often leads to visible postoperative scarring.
• Endoscopic thyroidectomy offers scarless surgery, a significant advantage for cosmetic outcomes, especially in young adults.
• The retroauricular approach utilizes a familiar facelift incision and avoids gas insufflation, creating a large working space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of gasless retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy.
• To assess postoperative scarring, operative time, complications, and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 31 patients undergoing gasless retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy (isthmolobectomies and lobectomies).
• Data collected included physical examination, laboratory and histopathology findings, operative time, bleeding volume, and length of stay.
• Scar assessment utilized the Vancouver Scale System; surgical and oncological outcomes were documented.

Main Results:

• Average operative time was 154.2 minutes, with average blood loss of 69.2 mL.
• Average hospital stay was 4.7 days; all complications were temporary.
• 65.6% of patients reported high satisfaction with the concealed retroauricular scar.

Conclusions:

• Gasless retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy is a safe and feasible remote-access technique.
• The procedure demonstrates excellent postoperative results and high patient satisfaction regarding scar cosmesis.
• This approach offers a viable alternative for patients seeking to minimize visible scarring after thyroid surgery.