Transoral Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy: Series of Cases

Abstract

Objective. To present the results of the author’s own series of transoral operations in patients with pathology of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Methods. Transoral surgery was performed in women (n=20) and (n=1) man. All patients were operated on for the primary disease and met the selection criteria based on ultrasound and cytological examinations, hormonal levels, and somatic status. Indications for surgery were: nodular goiter in 17 cases, diffuse toxic goiter - in 2 cases, parathyroid adenoma - in 2 cases. The surgical technique included a three-port approach in the lower fornix of the vestibule of the mouth and a gas technique for maintaining the working cavity. Standard laparoscopic instruments and an energy based ultrasonic device were used for the operation. In the postoperative period, patients underwent a test for subjective assessment of the aesthetic result of the operation using the survey of thedermatology life quality index. Results. Thyroidectomy was performed in 4 patients, hemithyroidectomy - in 15 patients and parathyroidectomy - in 2 patients. In one patient, transoralparathyroidectomy was performed as a part of a simultaneous operation for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. Papillary cancer T1N0M0 was verified in two patients after surgery. The mean operation time was 196.1 min (range 110 - 300 min). Average blood loss - 3 9.5 ml (range 10 - 300 ml). The nineth operation required the conversion due to severebleeding. In one case, the temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN)injury was reported, in one case - hematoma. After surgery, the median and average values of thedermatology life quality index were 1 (IQR 0-4) and 2.05, respectively, which indicates an insignificant effect on the quality of life. Conclusion. Transoral endoscopic surgery on the thyroid and parathyroid glands would be thepromising optimal choice in patients to avoid scarring on the neck.