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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
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Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
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A Porcine Model for Training Novices in Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach
Lei Min1, Yujing Weng1, Yanhong Miao2
1Department of Thyroid and Vascular Surgery, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery
|January 13, 2026
Summary
This study validates a novel training model for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) using pigs. The porcine model effectively simulates human procedures, enhancing surgical training for junior doctors.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Endocrine Surgery
Background:
- Live pigs have historically aided transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) development.
- A need exists for standardized training models for junior doctors in TOETVA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a TOETVA training model utilizing porcine subjects.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this model for surgical trainees.
Main Methods:
- A TOETVA training workshop was conducted with 17 trainees and 7 mentors using 5 pigs.
- Procedural steps, complications, and durations were documented and compared to human procedures.
- Trainees completed Likert scale questionnaires on their subjective experience and comparison to human TOETVA.
Main Results:
- All 5 porcine TOETVA surgeries were completed successfully; one case had recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) signal loss.
- Complication rates in porcine TOETVA (20.0%) were comparable to human procedures (11.4%).
- Trainees rated the training highly (3.54-4.29/5) and found key steps like workspace establishment and lymph node dissection similar to human procedures.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the feasibility of a porcine model for TOETVA training.
- The porcine TOETVA model effectively simulates human procedures, despite anatomical variations.
- This training approach can enhance junior doctors' skills in TOETVA.
