Endoscopic Thyroidectomy With Level Vb Dissection Via a Chest-breast Approach: Technical Updates for Selective Lateral Neck Dissection

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy with level Vb dissection using a chest-breast approach.

Methods: Lateral neck level Vb dissection by endoscopic surgery using a chest-breast approach was performed as an update to the previously reported endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection. The demographic data, surgical outcomes, and adverse events were analyzed.

Results: A total of 12 cases were performed successfully, and no patient was converted to the open procedure. The sex ratio was 16/2 (female/male). The average age and primary lesion diameter were 36.3±5.8 years old, and 1.97±0.58 cm, respectively. The average total and lateral lymph nodes dissection time of duration was 154.6±17.0 and 276.3±19.2 minutes, respectively. The lymph node ratio (mean number of metastasis/total number of dissected nodes) at levels II, III+IV, VI, and Vb were 1.6±1.4/6.8±2.0, 5.8±2.4/14.4±3.6, 3.2±1.1/6.5±1.9, and 0.8±0.9/5.8±1.6, respectively. One of 12 patients had lymphatic leakage and 2 of 12 patients had transient hypocalcemia. There was no incidence of uncontrolled bleeding, mental nerve injury, permanent hypoparathyroidism, permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, skin bruise on neck, infection, asphyxia/dyspnea, large blood vessel injury or other complications like tracheal injury, esophageal injury, etc., nor was there any death or recurrence in either of the 2 groups during a short follow-up period.

Conclusions: It is feasible to perform endoscopic thyroidectomy with level Vb dissection using a chest-breast approach. Such strategy represents another option for selective papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with levels II, III, IV, and Vb lymph node metastasis.