Loss of Neural Signal in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Background Remote-access thyroid and parathyroid surgery has gained popularity recently due to its benefit of avoiding visible neck scars. Most of these techniques were described and performed in Asia, on patients with different body habitus compared to American patients. We aim to analyze the learning curve in performing these operations in North America.  Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of a 10-year experience by a single surgeon at a North American institute. Patients who underwent thyroid or parathyroid procedures by a transaxillary, retroauricular, or transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) were included. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) was used to analyze learning curves based on intraoperative blood loss and total operative times and learning phases were divided accordingly. Results Three hundred seventy-two remote-access thyroid and parathyroid procedures were performed during the study period. Total operative time for transaxillary procedures was initially reduced after the 69th procedure and then again after the 134th case. For retroauricular procedures, marked reduction in the operative time was observed after 21 procedures. Most patients (57.02%) were discharged home on the same day during the mastering phase. In the transaxillary procedures, only 1 case of brachial plexus injury occurred prior to the routine use of somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring. Discussion Remote-access thyroid and parathyroid surgeries can be performed safely with minimal complications in a select group of patients. Analysis of the learning curve in performing these operations aids in structuring a safe and effective learning period for endocrine surgeons seeking to venture into this modality of treatment.

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187 Improving Awareness of Managing Post-Operative Haemorrhage in Patients Undergoing Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery: The SCOOP Protocol

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab134.382 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

S Bhattacharya ◽

J Jegadeeson ◽

J Ramsingh ◽

P Truran

Keyword(s):

Nursing Staff ◽

Simulation Training ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Skin Wound ◽

Junior Doctors ◽

Parathyroid Surgery ◽

Surgical Department ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Clinical Questions ◽

Life Threatening Complication

Abstract Introduction Post-operative haemorrhage is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of thyroid surgery and occurs in 1 in 100 patients. Our aim was to assess current levels of awareness of post-operative haemorrhage in the surgical department and to improve confidence in managing this. Method Questionnaires with a combination of clinical questions were distributed amongst nurses, foundation doctors, senior house officers and registrars in the surgical department. Results There was a clear gap in awareness in all grades. The British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid surgeons (BAETS) have guidance on the management of these patients and in particular the acronym SCOOP (Steristrips removed, Cut subcuticular sutures, Open skin wound, Open strap muscles, Pack wound). 18/24 of participants had not heard of the SCOOP protocol. Most nurses (6/12) all junior doctors (8/8) showed lack of confidence in managing patients with suspected bleeding. Conclusions An informative poster was created for relevant clinical areas as per the BAETS recommendation. These posters outlined the steps in the SCOOP acronymas well as the main clinical signs of haemorrhage. BAETS recommend that all first responders, including nursing staff, junior doctors and the crash team should be aware of the SCOOP protocol. Simulation training sessions are in progress for these members of staff.

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