Clinical application of Vido-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy with technical modifications

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Vido-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy and it compare with conventional thyroidectomy. Methods From April 2006 to December 2008, the clinical data of 96 consecutive patients received the endoscopic thyroid operation (ETO). The results were compared with those of the 100 patients in the same period using conventional techniques including operation time,the volume of bleeding, seeping of postoperation, the length of incision and complication. Results The mean operetion time of subtotal thyroidectomy in ETO group was (53.4 ± 4.5 ) min ( single thyroidectomy) respectively, and 49. 0 ±3.2 min respectively in conventional group. The operation time performed with ETO was 5 min slower ( P ＜0.01 ) and 9 min slower with double thyroidectomy. the volume of bleeding and seeping in EPO group were both less than that in conventional group( P ＜ 0.01 ). About the length of incision, the EPO group was 4 cm shorter than that in conventional group(P ＜ 0.01 ). The postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve temporary paralysis occurred in three patients. In conventional group, recurrent laryngeal nerve temporary paralysis ocurred in two patients and dysfunction of parathyroid gland in one patient. There was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion The EPO is a safe alternative for thyroidectomy. This technique can reduce the volume of bleeding and seeping of post operation significantly and it can short the length of incision significantly. Key words: Vido-assisted endoscopic; Thyroid surgery; Mini-incision