Endoscopic Dissection Research Articles

The inside-out surgical anatomy of the paraglottic space a video-guided endoscopic dissection.

The paraglottic space is an essential anatomic compartment of the larynx. It is central to the spread of laryngeal cancer and to the choice of conservative laryngeal surgery and many phonosurgical procedures. Since its description, 60 years ago, the surgical anatomy of the paraglottic space was sparsely revisited. Amid the era of endoscopic and transoral microscopic functional surgery of the larynx, we provide here a long-awaited description of the inside-out anatomy of the paraglottic space. Using an endoscope equipped with a 3D camera, we dissected 10 hemilarynges from 5 fresh frozen cadavers from the inside out. Before dissection, we labeled the vessels through injecting them with colored latex. We explored the paraglottic space emphasizing its shape, boundaries, and contents. We documented our findings through endoscopic photography and video recordings. The paraglottic space is a spacious tetrahedral space located parallel not only to the glottic, but also to the subglottic and the supraglottic compartments of the laryngeal lumen. It has musculo-cartilaginous, musculo-fibrous, and mucosal boundaries. It is separated from the pyriform sinus only by mucosa. A cushion of fat surrounds its vascular and to a lesser extent its neural contents. Harbored intrinsic laryngeal muscles are endoscopically identifiable within the space, namely the thyroarytenoid, the lateral, and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. The endoscopic description of the paraglottic space partly fills the knowledge gap on the laryngeal anatomy from the inside out. It opens the door for novel diagnostic methods and for ultraconservative functional laryngeal interventions under endoscopic control. N/A.

Anatomic misconceptions regarding the agger nasi cell: A preliminary analysis utilizing endoscopic anatomic dissection and three-dimensional computed tomography.

The agger nasi cell is a key anatomic landmark in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery. However, discord amongst authors regarding anatomic definition and prevalence raises questions of its suitability as a surgical landmark. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the agger nasi cell using radiographic imaging correlated with endoscopic anatomic dissection to consider the cell's role as a surgical landmark and to explore if three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) technology can provide enhanced insight into this anatomy. CT scans of 11 cadaveric sinonasal complexes were studied using triplanar CT or 3D-CT scanning with stereoscopic 3D imaging. Endoscopic dissections were performed and video recorded. Attention was given to identify agger nasi pneumatization and its origin. Pneumatization of the agger nasi region was noted in 4/11 cases (36.4%) (in two cases the pneumatization arose from the frontal recess, in two from a true agger nasi cell). The agger nasi region appeared as solid unpneumatized bone in 4/11 cases (36.4%). In 3/11 cases (27.3%) limited pneumatization was noted, bordering on but not pneumatizing the agger nasi proper. It may be confusing for otolaryngologic surgeons in training to rely on the "agger nasi cell" as a surgical landmark due to misconceptions regarding the anatomy, prevalence and anatomic definitions. Using standard CT scans to teach anatomy may have shortcomings as compared to the gold standard of surgical dissection. However, new 3D-CT holds promise to more accurately reflect small microanatomic features and provide an improved road map of a patient's anatomy in surgery.

Three-dimensional visual technique based on CT lymphography data combined with methylene blue in endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer

BackgroundThe combined application of blue dye and radioisotopes is currently the primary mapping technique used for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients. However, radiocolloid techniques have not been widely adopted, especially in developing countries, given the strict restrictions on radioactive materials. Consequently, we carried out a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional visualization technique (3DVT) based on computed tomography-lymphography (CT-LG) in endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy (ESLNB) for breast cancer.MethodsFrom September 2018 to June 2020, 389 patients who underwent surgical treatment of breast cancer in our department were included in this study. The CT-LG data of these patients were reconstructed into digital 3D models and imported into Smart Vision Works V1.0 to locate the sentinel lymph node (SLN) and for visual simulation surgery. ESLNB and endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection were carried out based on this new technique; the accuracy and clinical value of 3DVT in ESLNB were analyzed.ResultsThe reconstructed 3D models clearly displayed all the structures of breast and axilla, which favors the intraoperative detection of SLNs. The identification rate of biopsied SLNs was 100% (389/389). The accuracy, sensitivity, and false-negative rate were 93.83% (365/389), 93.43% (128/137), and 6.57% (9/137), respectively. Upper limb lymphedema occurred in one patient 3 months after surgery during the 12-month follow-up period.ConclusionsOur 3DVT based on CT-LG data combined with methylene blue in ESLNB ensures a high identification rate of SLNs with low false-negative rates. It, therefore, has the potential to serve as a new method for SLN biopsy in breast cancer cases.

Endoscopic mucosal dissection for multiple rectal carcinoids: A case report

Endoscopic mucosal dissection for multiple rectal carcinoids: A case report

Endoscope-Assisted Pedicled Maxillary Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass: An Anatomic Feasibility Study.

Extracranial to intracranial bypass is used to augment and/or replace the intracranial circulation for various pathologies. The superficial temporal artery is the mainstay donor for pedicled bypasses to the anterior circulation but can be limited by its variable size, low native flow rates, and potential scalp complications. Interposition grafts such as the radial artery or greater saphenous vein are alternatives but are sometimes limited by size mismatch, length needed to reach the extracranial circulation, and loss of inherent vascular elasticity. Interposition grafts between the maxillary artery (IMA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) address these limitations. To explore the feasibility of harvesting the IMA through an endoscopic transnasal, transmaxillary approach to perform a direct IMA to MCA bypass. Combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal dissections were performed in embalmed human cadavers to harvest the IMAs for intracranial transposition and direct anastomosis to the MCA. Donor and recipient vessel calibers were measured and recorded. A total of 8 procedures were performed using the largest and distal-most branches of the IMA (the sphenopalatine branch and the descending palatine branch) as pedicled conduits to second division of middle cerebral artery (M2) recipients. The mean diameter of the IMA donors was 1.89 mm (SD ± 0.42 mm), and the mean diameter of the recipient M2 vessels was 1.90 mm (SD ± 0.46 mm). Endoscopic harvest of the IMA using a transnasal, transmaxillary approach is a technically feasible option offering an excellent size match to the M2 divisions of the MCA and the advantages of a relatively short, pedicled donor vessel.

Endoscopic lateral neck dissection via the breast and transoral approaches for papillary thyroid carcinoma: A preliminary report

Complete lymph node dissection is essential for the management of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with lymph node metastasis (LNM). This work aimed to describe the feasibility of endoscopic lateral neck dissection via the breast and transoral approach (ELNDBTOA) in PTC patients and the necessity of the addition of the transoral approach. We included 13 patients with PTC and suspected lateral LNM who underwent ELNDBTOA at the Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University. Total thyroidectomy, ipsilateral central lymph node dissection, and selective neck dissection (levels IIA, IIB, III, and IV) were performed endoscopically via the breast approach. Residual lymph nodes were further dissected via the transoral approach. The mean operation time was 362.1 ± 73.5 min. In the lateral neck compartments, the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 36.6 ± 23.8, and the mean number of positive lymph nodes was 6.8 ± 4.7. In further dissection via the transoral approach, lymph nodes in the lateral neck compartment were obtained in nine patients (9/13, 69.2%), and three patients (3/13, 23.1%) had confirmed lateral neck metastases. Transient hypocalcemia occurred in two patients (2/13, 15.4%), and three patients (3/13, 23.1%) developed transient skin numbness in the mandibular area. No other major complications were observed. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis during the follow-up period (range, 24-87 months). All patients were satisfied with the good cosmetic outcome. ELNDBTOA is an option with proven feasibility for select PTC patients with LNM, and the addition of the transoral approach is necessary to ensure complete dissection.

85 (PB-085) Poster - Fluorescence guided fully endoscopic axillary dissection for locally advanced breast cancer. A feasible novel technique

85 (PB-085) Poster - Fluorescence guided fully endoscopic axillary dissection for locally advanced breast cancer. A feasible novel technique

The effective analysis of refractory esophageal stricture after endoscopic mucosal dissection of early esophageal cancer treated by endoscopic radiotomy combined with local injection of triamcinolone acetonide

Refractor esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection of early esophageal carcinoma is a difficult clinical problem. To verify the effect of endoscopic radial incision combined local triamcinolone injection to treat refractory esophageal stenosis, we retrospectively analyzed 7 patients diagnosed with refractory esophageal stricture after endoscopic mucosal dissection of early esophageal cancer in this study, of whom 4 male and 3 female patients, aged 50-76 years, with the mean age of 63 years. We performed the endoscopic radial incision in the thickness point of the scar stricture and injected the triamcinolone locally. The results showed it was safe and effective. The follow-up showed no esophageal stenosis occured and no adverse reaction such as hemorrhage, perforation, tumor-recurrence and triamcinolone-allergy occured.

Band-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection for small (≤ 1.5cm) submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria in the gastric fundus: a prospective study.

To date, no prospective study has compared the safety and efficacy of band-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (BA-EMR) with those of endoscopic dissection (ESD) for the treatment of submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the gastric fundus. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of BA-EMR with those of ESD for SMTs ≤ 1.5cm in the gastric fundus. In total, 62 patients with SMTs ≤ 1.5cm in the gastric fundus underwent band ligation; the lesions that could be completely ligated were excised using a snare, while others were removed by ESD. Of 62 patients, 42 had their lesions completely ligated by the band and underwent BA-EMR, while 20 had lesions that could not be completely ligated and underwent ESD. The average tumor size was 0.94 ± 0.16 and 1.30 ± 0.16cm in the BA-EMR and ESD groups, respectively. Compared with ESD, BA-EMR had significantly fewer complications and a significantly shorter mean operating time and hospital stay. BA-EMR is a safe and effective method for small SMTs in the gastric fundus, but is only suitable for SMTs < 1.2cm. For small SMTs (< 1.2cm) in the gastric fundus, BA-EMR may simplify the treatment procedure, shorten the operation time, and reduce complications.

“String-to-ring” traction technique for endoscopic submocosal dissection in the treatment of rectal tumors

The results for “string-to-ring” ESD and conventional ESD were compared in present study. The “string-to-ring” method was developed to create traction using a thread, fixed to the edge of the tumor, that is moved through a ring, located on the clip on the opposite wall. The study included 41 ESDs of the lesions larger than 3 cm in the rectum, that were performed from October 2016 to June 2021. Patients were divided into two groups (“string-to-ring” ESD, n = 19; conventional ESD, n = 22). Time of the procedure and the frequency of complications were evaluated. Analyzing the obtained data, the “string-to-ring” method allowed to shorten the operation time (from 85,8 ± 17,5 to 63,6 ± 15,3 min), reduce the rate of intraoperative bleeding and perforations from 19% to 0%. At the conclusion, ESD with “string-to-ring” traction—a promising technique with potential for clinical application. The advantage of this method provide better visualizing the submucosal layer due to the direction of gravity. This method facilitates ESD, reduces procedure time and the number of intraoperative complications—bleeding and perforation.

Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Submucosal Tunnel Endoscopic Resection for Submucosal Masses in Esophageal Muscularis Propria.

Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection (STER) for the treatment of submucosal masses in esophageal muscularis propria. Method A total of 272 patients with submucosal masses in esophageal muscularis propria diagnosed and treated in our hospital from February 2019 to January 2022 were randomly selected for the study and then were randomly divided into the STER group (n = 136) and the endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD) group (n = 136) according to the random number table method. Patients in the STER and ESD groups were treated with STER and ESD, respectively. The clinical data of patients from the two groups were collected and compared. The clinical effects and the changes of surgery-related indexes of patients after ESD and STER treatment were observed. The safety of ESD and STER was compared. The factors influencing the efficacy of STER treatment for submucosal masses in esophageal muscularis propria were analyzed. Result There were significant differences between the STER group and the ESD group in terms of tumor size, lesion level, adhesion and surgical approaches (P < 0.05). The effective rates of ESD treatment and STER treatment were 98.53% and 88.97%, respectively. Meanwhile, the effective rates of STER treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the patients in the STER group had longer operation time, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stay compared with those in the ESD group (P < 0.05). Adverse reactions occurred during ESD treatment and STER treatment included delayed bleeding, adhesion, perforation, and pleural effusion with the total incidence of adverse reactions of 4.41% and 13.97%, respectively. The adverse reactions in STER group were prominently less than these in the ESD group (P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that independent risk factors, including tumor size, lesion level, adhesion, and surgical approaches, affected the efficacy of STER in the treatment of submucosal masses in esophageal muscularis propria (P < 0.05). Conclusion STER is an effective method for the treatment of submucosal masses in esophageal muscularis propria, which can exhibit a good effect with faster postoperative recovery and higher safety, thereby being worthy of clinical application and promotion. Tumor size, lesion level, adhesion, and surgical approaches are all related factors affecting the effect of STER treatment.

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Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of gastrointestinal tract with different expressions of CD117 (transmembrane KIT receptor tyrosine kinase) from other related tumors, which provides insights into the disease management of GIST. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors reduce the incidence of tumor recurrence and make the tumor resectable. Despite the malignant potential of GISTs, gastric GIST shows a better prognosis versus GISTs at other locations. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is considered the radiological diagnosis of choice because biopsy increases the risk of bleeding and tumor spreading. In addition to surgical resection which remains the mainstay of GIST treatment, active surveillance is also available for gastric tumor with a size &lt;2cm. Currently, given the clinical consensus of an increased response of the tumor to chemotherapy after resection of the advanced lesion, patients with metastasis are also indicated for cytoreductive surgery. Various minimally invasive techniques including endoscopic (endoscopic band ligation, endoscopic muscularis dissection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, endoscopic submucosal tunnelling, endoscopic full-thickness resection), laparoscopic and combined techniques (laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery, combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with non-exposure technique) have been developed for surgical resection of tumors. Due to the high recurrence rate even during treatment, patients receive a physical examination and CECT follow-up every 3-5 months for 5 years followed by annual visits.

Endoscopic diving technique for hearing preservation in managing labyrinth-invading cholesteatomas.

Complete removal of the matrix over the existing fistula in the event of an extensive cholesteatoma with labyrinth invasion can result in total deafness. This study aimed to present a novel method of underwater endoscopic labyrinth dissection using continuous steroid irrigation (CSI) and systemic steroid administration for hearing preservation. The endoscopic diving technique (EDT) was used to dissect semicircular canals, revealing the underwater anatomy of membranous labyrinth structures, in two cadaver temporal bones. EDT with CSI was used in three clinical cases with extensive cholesteatoma. On cadaver temporal bones, the anatomy of the lateral (LSC), superior (SSC), and posterior membranous semicircular canals with their respective ampullas and common crus was documented. In the first case managed with transcanal EDT, the LSC was eroded across almost its entire length. The fallopian canal was circumferentially eroded at the second genu and part of the mastoid segment. The cholesteatoma matrix was completely removed, and the membranous LSC was preserved. In the second and third cases, we were able to remove the cholesteatoma matrix along the eroded bony semicircular canals while keeping the membranes intact. No sensorineural hearing loss was detected in the postoperative masked pure-tone audiometry at a mean follow-up time of 12months or cholesteatoma recurrence at the follow-up imaging. EDT with CSI can be safely utilized in the course of temporal bone labyrinth dissections and provides advantages during cholesteatoma removal over the eroded labyrinth on preservation of the membranous structures, and thus may help preserve cochlear function.

Successful Resection of a Gastric Tumor With Severe Fibrosis Using Endoscopic Submucosal Tunnel Dissection and a Picking Technique With a Clutch Cutter.

CASE REPORT Resections of gastric tumors with severe fibrosis by the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedure are still difficult in some cases.1 Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection has been reported to be a good method for providing traction,2,3 and the usefulness of a picking technique with a clutch cutter (CC) for a protruding rectal tumor with the muscle-retracting sign has recently been reported.4 We report successful resection of a gastric tumor with severe fibrosis using endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection and a picking technique with a CC. ESD was performed for a 75-year-old man with gastric adenocarcinoma in the posterior wall of the lesser curvature of the lower body of the stomach. A mucosal incision was made in the lateral side of the lesion, and the incision was then extended to create a one-half of a circumferential incision with an IT knife-2 in the anal side using the near-side approach method5 in retroflex view. During submucosal dissection, we unexpectedly observed the severe fibrosis (Figure 1). Because we could not approach the area of severe fibrosis horizontally in a retroflex view, we created a submucosal tunnel from the oral side to the anal side with a CC in a forward view as a rescue plan.Figure 1.: Figure showing the gastric tumor with severe fibrosis. (A) During submucosal dissection, we observed severe fibrosis in a retroflex view. (B) A submucosal tunnel provided good traction for the fibrosis area, and we could approach the area of severe fibrosis horizontally in a forward view.The submucosal tunnel provided good traction for the fibrosis area, and we could approach the area of severe fibrosis horizontally in a forward view (Figure 1). An appropriate dissection line was identified, and we picked, pulled, and cut with the tip of the CC (picking technique) (Figure 2). Using this technique, we released part of the severe fibrosis (Figure 2). Finally, the tumor was removed (Figure 2 and Video 1; watch the video at https://links.lww.com/ACGCR/A28). Histological examination revealed intramucosal carcinoma with negative resection margins.Figure 2.: Figure showing the picking technique after the ESTD. (A) An appropriate dissection line was identified, and we picked, pulled, and cut with the tip of the CC (picking technique). (B) Using this technique, we released the part of severe fibrosis. (C) The tumor was removed.The benefits of the picking technique may be a higher en bloc R0 resection rate and a lower perforation risk than those using conventional ESD. The reason for these possible benefits is that a severely fibrotic layer can be accurately detached by using this technique. On the other hand, the disadvantage of the picking technique may be a longer time required to complete the procedure. The reason for this is that a fibrotic layer can only be detached little by little. We consider that the picking technique is useful for severely fibrotic lesions. DISCLOSURES Author contributions: S. Abiko wrote the manuscript and is the article guarantor. K. Nakajima, K. Hirata, K. Suzuki, K. Kinoshita, K. Hatanaka, Y. Yamamoto, and H. Naruse edited the manuscript. Financial disclosures: None to report. Informed consent was obtained for this case report.

Robot-Assisted Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection for Carcinoma Penis.

Inguinal lymph node status is the single most important prognostic factor for survival in patients with carcinoma penis. Various modifications and alternatives to open inguinal lymph node dissection have been developed as the same is associated with high postoperative morbidity such as wound infection, skin flap necrosis, lymphorrhea, and lymphedema. Robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection (RA-VEIL) has the potential to accomplish thorough inguinal lymph node dissection with definitively reduced postoperative morbidity. In this video, we demonstrate our technique of RA-VEIL: The fascia lata first approach and highlight our technical modifications of the conventionally described procedure.

Advances in endoscopic resection techniques of small gastric tumors originating from the muscularis propria.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are common gastrointestinal tumors typically originating from the muscularis propria layer of the stomach. Small gastric stromal tumors are usually detected incidentally during routine endoscopic examination. Although they may have malignant potentially, controversies remain regarding the need for endoscopic resection of small gastric stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria. According to the guidelines of the European Society of Medical Oncology, all gastrointestinal stromal tumors >2 cm in size should be resected with endoscopic surveillance recommended for tumors <2 cm. Endoscopic resection including endoscopic mucosal dissection (EMD), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection and snare assisted endoscopic resection. However, EMD and ESD procedures may be accompanied with serious complications including perforation, bleeding, and abdominal infection. Snare-assisted endoscopic resection is an alternative approach and has the advantages of a shorter procedure time and a low rate of perforation or bleeding. This study summarizes the safety and feasibility of a novel snare-assisted endoscopic resection technique and highlights the pros and cons of the different endoscopic approaches currently used for subepithelia small gastric tumors.

Correlation between endoscopic resection outcomes and endosonographic findings in gastric tumors with muscularis propria origin.

Endoscopic resection is an effective treatment for subepithelial tumors arising from the muscularis propria layer of the stomach. However, the invasion pattern revealed by the pathological examination of tumor specimens is often not consistent with the findings of preprocedural endoscopic ultrasounds (EUS).We compared the real growing patterns of tumors, as evaluated on histopathological examination, with their EUS images, and analyzed the outcomes of endoscopic resections in relation to the EUS findings.From January 2006 to June 2015, 32 patients underwent endoscopic resection for gastric tumors originating from the muscularis propria at our hospital.We divided the patients into 3 groups according to the location of the tumor as diagnosed using pre procedural EUS: submucosa (group I, n = 5), muscularis propria (group II, n = 14), and tumors extending into the outer cavity (group III, n = 13).Histopathological examination revealed 15 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), 14 with leiomyomas, and 3 with schwannomas. Accuracy of EUS in evaluating tumor invasion was 56%. Some tumors in groups I and II was removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection only. Muscular dissection was needed in 10 patients (71%) in group II and 9 patients (69%) in group III. Four patients (31%) in group III were found to have subserosal tumors. The complete resection rate was 88% (23 patients) among patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic muscular dissection, and 67% (4 patients) among patients who underwent endoscopic subserosal dissection (ESSD). The tumor was completely removed in 12 patients (86%) in group II and 10 patients (77%) in group III.EUS accurately predicts the layer of the subepithelial tumor in the stomach; however, the pattern of invasion of surrounding structures is difficult to evaluate using EUS.

Initial Experience With Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Submental and Vestibular Approach for the Treatment of Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundTransoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach is feasible and safe but has some unavoidable limitations, such as sensory changes in the center of the chin region. We aim to report our initial experience in performing transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the submental and vestibular approach for the treatment of thyroid cancer.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients with thyroid cancer confirmed by fine-needle aspiration who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection via the submental and vestibular approaches between November 2019 and January 2020. Patients’ clinicopathological characteristics, operation details, and postoperative complications were analyzed.ResultsFifteen surgeries were performed successfully. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 37 ± 10.8 years, the average duration of surgery was 146.5 ± 34.6 min, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 11.1 ± 6.3 mL. None of the surgeries were converted to open thyroidectomy. According to postoperative pathology, all cases involved papillary thyroid carcinoma or papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. One patient developed transient recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. No patient developed skin numbness at the center of the chin region.ConclusionsTransoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the submental and vestibular approach is effective and safe in patients with thyroid cancer and does not lead to skin numbness at the center of the chin region. This technique is beneficial for surgeons less experienced in performing transoral thyroid surgery as it involves using a short and direct route to the thyroid gland, which can reduce the difficulty in establishing the first operative space to some extent.

Clinical Application of Noninflating Video-Endoscopic Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection.

Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of the application of self-made non-inflating suspension technique in video endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND). Methods We collected 8 patients with penile carcinoma who underwent noninflating video-endoscopic ILND in the Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, from May 2019 to March 2021. Then, surgical duration, blood loss, drainage tube indwelling time, hospital stay, number of dissected lymph nodes, and complications in the patients were analyzed. Results All patients (n = 8) finished the surgery successfully, with an average surgical duration of 125 (105-145) minutes, blood loss of 41 (25-50) mL, indwelling time of drainage tube of 7 (5-12) days, and a hospital stay of 14.8 (9-21) days. Additionally, 8.8 (3-14) left side and 7.3 (2-17) right side lymph nodes were dissected on average. Complications occurred in 3 patients during a perioperative period. The patients were followed up for 6-24 months, and none suffered recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion The efficacy of noninflating video-endoscopic ILND is good. Patients who have undergone the surgery not only have few postoperative complications but also have a good prognosis, suggesting the safety and availability of the clinical application.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy via the combined trans-oral and chest approach for cT1-2N1bM0 papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Recent years there have been witnessed considerable advances in endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection (LND). However, dissection of lymph nodes at level IV and level VI via the chest approach is inherently challenging. In this study, we used combined trans-oral and chest approach for endoscopic thyroidectomy in patients with cT1-2N1bM0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of ten patients with cT1-2N1bM0 PTC who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via combination of trans-oral and chest approach between September 2020 and September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. All 10 patients successfully underwent total thyroidectomy and selective LND via chest approach, while central neck dissection (CND) and supplementary dissection of lymph nodes at level IV were performed via the trans-oral approach. The mean number of positive/retrieved level II, III-IV, and VI lymph nodes were 0.6 ± 1.0/9.8 ± 5.0, 4.6 ± 2.8/23.1 ± 4.7, and 4.9 ± 3.4/10.3 ± 4.6, respectively. Four patients developed transient hypoparathyroidism which spontaneously resolved within 1month. Five patients developed numbness of lateral neck and ear and one patient experienced limb lift restriction. No other complications or tumor recurrence occurred during follow-up. It is feasible to perform total thyroidectomy, CND, and selective LND via combined trans-oral and chest approach, and satisfactory short-term outcomes were observed in this cohort. This approach may offer one more option for cT1-2N1bM0 PTC patients, especially those in whom metastatic lymph nodes at level IV or level VI are detected by preoperative examination.