A Case of Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Combined with Facelift Modified Radical Neck Dissection

Abstract

We recently experienced a case of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy combined with a modified radical neck dissection (MRND) using a facelift approach in a patient with keloid-prone skin. A 35-year-old female was diagnosed with a papillary thyroid carcinoma, which was 1.2 cm in diameter and showed level II-III lateral cervical metastases. The patient required total thyroidectomy and MRND; however, she was concerned about the neck incision because she had keloid-prone skin. We first performed a transoral, endoscopic total thyroidectomy combined with bilateral central node dissection via a tri-vestibular approach, and then followed it by MRND (II-V) using a facelift approach with the Da Vinci robotic system. We noted no significant complications, such as vocal cord palsy, hypoparathyroidism, or permanent loss of the lower lip or auricle. This new method of combining transoral and facelift approaches will be useful for patients with small thyroid cancers and lateral neck metastases.Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2019;62(6):343-6 Key WordsZZEndoscopic ㆍMinimally invasive ㆍThyroidectomy ㆍTransoral.