William B. Inabnet

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy by a vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a novel technique for thyroid gland excision. Compared to the transaxillary endoscopic and bilateral axillo-breast approaches, which require substantial dissection to reach the thyroid gland, TOETVA provides the most direct access to the target organ. The aim of this video is to provide a step-by-step overview of TOETVA and demonstrate how to set up and utilize intraoperative nerve monitoring. Three incisions are placed in the vestibular region of the oral cavity just below the lower lip for placement of 2 lateral 5-mm trocars and 1 centrally placed 11-mm trocar. Insufflation to 6 mm Hg is used to maintain the working spacing. Using a 2-handed technique and triangulation, the thyroid gland is mobilized, taking care to identify and preserve the relevant cervical anatomy. TOETVA is safe and feasible and provides an excellent cosmetic outcome with the most confidentially compared to the other remote access endoscopic approaches.

Research from JAMA Surgery — Comparison of Radiation Exposure and Cost Between Dynamic Computed Tomography and Sestamibi Scintigraphy for Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Lesions

Background: Transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy, developed by the Yonsei University group from Seoul, Korea, is a new approach that eliminates the need for a cervical incision. Originally, this technique was performed using a two-incision technique (ipsilateral axilla and anterior chest wall). More recently, the chest wall incision is being eliminated and a less invasive robotic thyroid procedure is being performed through a single axillary incision. Summary: The complexity of this new technique introduces the potential for new complications particularly during the initial learning curve that are not routinely or previously associated with conventional open thyroidectomy. This article will aide surgeons in overcoming the learning curve of transaxillary single-incision robotic thyroidectomy (TSI-RT), giving a detailed explanation of the robotic surgical procedure, the possible complications, and complication management. Conclusions: If surgeons have mastery of the multiple steps of the robotic surgical procedure and a good understanding of possible complications and how to prevent them, TSI-RT can be performed safely and offers numerous advantages over multi-incision robotic thyroidectomy as well as conventional open thyroidectomy.