scholarly journals Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA): Surgical Outcomes and Learning Curve

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 863
Author(s):  
Young Jun Chai ◽  
Sumin Chae ◽  
Moon Young Oh ◽  
Hyungju Kwon ◽  
Won Seo Park

The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has excellent cosmetic effects and its popularity is increasing worldwide. We present our experience with TOETVA and its short-term outcomes. This study included 110 consecutive patients who underwent TOETVA at a single institution between July 2016 and June 2020. We analyzed clinicopathologic data, short-term postoperative outcomes, and learning curve using cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis. Of the 110 patients who underwent TOETVA, 101 had malignant disease and 100 (90.9%) underwent lobectomy. The mean age was 39.7 ± 9.7 years, and the mean tumor size was 1.0 ± 0.7 cm (range, 0.3–3.6 cm). Operation time was 168.0 ± 63.4 min for total thyroidectomy, 111.0 ± 27.7 min for lobectomy, and 73.7 ± 18.1 min for isthmusectomy. Five patients (4.5%) experienced transient vocal cord palsy (VCP) and one (0.9%) had permanent VCP. The swallowing impairment index-6 score was 2.18 ± 3.21 at postoperative three months, and 0.97 ± 1.72 at postoperative six months. The learning curve for lobectomy was 58 cases in CUSUM analysis. TOETVA is a safe and feasible approach with an acceptable operation time and a low complication rate. This approach is a surgical option for patients who desire excellent cosmesis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Chun Kuo ◽  
Quan-Yang Duh ◽  
Yi-Chia Wang ◽  
Chieh-Wen Lai ◽  
Kuen-Yuan Chen ◽  
...  

ObjectivesIntraoperative neuromonitoring has not been routinely applied in early experience with the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). Because the preparation and surgical interventions are much different from conventional thyroidectomies, most endocrine surgeons willing to adapt to TOETVA lack access to information regarding the practice pattern and proficiency in the learning curve. We aimed to investigate the outcomes and to define the learning curve for TOETVA in this study.MethodsA retrospective analysis was used on patients who underwent TOETVA at our hospital between December 2016 and July 2019. The cumulative sum graphic model was used to implement the learning curve as a surrogate for procedural proficiency.ResultsThe 119 patients had a mean age of 44.65 years and a mean body mass index of 22.49 k/m2, including 107 women, 20 thyroiditis, and 106 hemithyroidectomy. The learning curve revealed two phases, an initial (35 cases) and a mature (84 cases) phase, for surgeons based on operation time (144.2 vs. 114.2 min, p = 0.0001). There were more bilateral thyroidectomies (15.5% vs. 0, p = 0.0100), larger indicated nodules (6.06 cm3vs. 3.32 cm3, p = 0.0468), or larger thyroids to resect (16.38 cm3vs. 8.75 cm3, p = 0.0001) in the mature phase. Procedure-related complications decreased significantly in the mature phase in comparison to the initial phase (3.57% vs. 31.43%, p = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe learning curve of TOETVA with neuromonitoring is 35 cases. With the accumulation of proficiency, the indications will expand. Step-by-step improvements from the experience of each case can reduce procedure-related complications.


2020 ◽  
pp. 000313482095030
Author(s):  
Emad Kandil ◽  
Mounika Akkera ◽  
Hosam Shalaby ◽  
Ruhul Munshi ◽  
Abdallah Attia ◽  
...  

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.


BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Wang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Tang ◽  
Haifei Cao ◽  
Qinyong Song ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The area which located at the medial pedicle, posterior vertebral body and ventral hemilamina is defined as the hidden zone. Surgical management of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation (HZLDH) is technically challenging due to its difficult surgical exposure. The conventional interlaminar approach harbors the potential risk of post-surgical instability, while other approaches consist of complicated procedures with a steep learning curve and prolonged operation time. Objective To introduce microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) technique for treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation and present clinical outcomes. Methods Between Jan 2016 to Jan 2018, twenty one patients (13 males) with HZLDH were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MELS (19 patients underwent sequestrectomy only, 2 patients underwent an additional inferior discectomy). The nerve root and fragment were visually exposed using MELS. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 (18–24) months. The mean operation time was 32.43 ± 7.19 min and the mean blood loss was 25.52 ± 5.37 ml. All patients showed complete neurological symptom relief after surgery. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to those before operation (7.88 ± 0.70 vs 0.10 ± 0.30, 59.24 ± 10.83 vs 11.29 ± 3.59, respectively, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (81%) obtained an “excellent” outcome and the remaining four (19%) patients obtained a “good” outcome based the MacNab criteria. One patient suffered reherniation at the same level one year after the initial surgery and underwent a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. No major complications and postoperative instability were observed. Conclusions Our observation suggest that MELS is safe and effective in the management of HZLDH. Due to its relative simplicity, it comprises a flat surgical learning curve and shorter operation duration, and overall results in reduced disturbance to lumbar stability.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weifan Zhang ◽  
Xinhui Zhao ◽  
Zhao Liu ◽  
Hui Dang ◽  
Lei Meng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Few studies on the comparison among robotic, laparoscopic, and open gastrectomy had been reported in gastric cancer . The goal of this study was to evaluate the advantages of robotic-assisted gastrectomy (RAG) by comparing with laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy(LAG) and open gastrectomy (OG). Methods: 147 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed between January 2017 and July 2019. Short-term outcomes such as operation time, intraoperative estimated blood loss(EBL),number of retrieved lymph nodes, postoperative recovery, learning curve, and long-term outcome such as overall survival(OS) was compared among RAG, LAG and OG groups. Results: RAG group included 47 patients, 44 in the LAG, and 61 in the OG. Basic information such as gender, age, BMI, ASA degree were similar among three groups, and there were no statistically significances in pathological TNM staging, tumor resection extent, resection margin, methods of reconstruction( P >0.05). The cumulative sum(CUSUM) method showed that learning curve of RAG reached stability after 17 cases . For short-term outcomes, the RAG group had the shortest EBL( P =0.033), the shortest time to first flatus( P <0.001), shortest time to first intake liquid diet ( P =0.004),shortest postoperative hospital stay ( P =0.023)and the largest number of retrieved lymph nodes( P =0.044),the longest operation time( P <0.001), the most expensive treatment cost( P <0.001),however, there were no significant differences in postoperative drainage, postoperative white blood cell(WBC)count and early complications among three group( P >0.05). In addition to long-term outcome, similar OS was observed in three groups. Conclusion: Compared with LAG and OG, RAG has certain advantages in short-term outcomes and is a safe and reliable surgical method. But still need further prospective, multi-center research to confirm this.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Wang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Tang ◽  
Haifei Cao ◽  
Qinyong Song ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Surgical management of lumbar disc herniation in the hidden zone is technically challenging due to its difficult surgical exposure. The conventional interlaminar approach harbors the potential risk of post-surgical instability, while other approaches consist of complicated procedures with a steep learning curve and prolonged operation time. Objective To introduce a safe and effective technique named microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) for treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation and present clinical outcomes within a two year follow-up period. Methods Between Jan 2016 to Jan 2018, twenty one patients (13 males) with hidden zone lumbar disc herniation were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MELS (19 patients underwent sequestrectomy only, 2 patients underwent an additional inferior discectomy). The nerve root and herniated fragment were visually exposed using this extra-laminar approach. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 months, ranging from 18 to 24 months. The mean operation time was 32.43 ± 7.19 min and the mean blood loss was 25.52 ± 5.37 ml. All patients showed complete neurological symptom relief after surgery. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to those before operation (7.88 ± 0.70 vs 0.10 ± 0.30, 59.24 ± 10.83 vs 11.29 ± 3.59, respectively, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (81%) obtained an “excellent” outcome and the remaining four (19%) patients obtained a “good” outcome based the MacNab criteria. One patient suffered reherniation at the same level one year after the initial surgery and underwent a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. No major complications and postoperative instability were observed. Conclusions Our observation suggest that MELS is a safe and effective method in the management of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation. Due to its relative simplicity, it comprises a flat surgical learning curve and shorter operation duration, and overall results in reduced disturbance to lumbar stability.


2005 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Piccardo ◽  
Luigi Martinelli ◽  
Giancarlo Passerone

Background: The tendency of modern surgery is towards the reduction of invasiveness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the learning curve, the reliability, the short term results and the advantages in terms of rapid rehabilitation of endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) in a consecutive series of 20 patients operated on of aorto-coronary bypass surgery. Methods: Between February and June 2005, 20 patients between 61 e 82 years of age underwent EVH with the use of Vasoview® 5 (Guidant Corporation, Indianapolis, USA). To evaluate the impact of learning curve on the total operative time, patients were divided in 4 chronologically consecutive groups (G1, G2, G3, G4). Intraoperative characteristics and short term results were evaluated. Results: The mean velocity and the mean time of harvesting in G4 were 0,68 cm/min and 45 min. respectively, similar to the time required for a scheletonized left internal mammary artery harvesting. In the first 5 patients 2 conversions were required, one of them related to the EVH technique. No bleeding, functional impairment or infective complications are reported. Active mobilization was possible in every case in the first post-operative day. Conclusions: EVH is a reliable technique and the learning curve can be limited to the first 5 cases. The foreseeble reduction of infectious complications, the absence of pain and the immediate mobilization of the leg allow a rapid and effective rehabilitation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 402 ◽  
Author(s):  
HyunGoo Kim ◽  
Hyungju Kwon ◽  
Woosung Lim ◽  
Byung-In Moon ◽  
Nam Sun Paik

With the increased utilization of robot thyroidectomy in recent years, surgical proficiency is the paramount consideration. However, there is no single perfect or ideal method for measuring surgical proficiency. In this study, we evaluated the learning curve of robotic thyroidectomy using various parameters. A total of 172 robotic total thyroidectomies were performed by a single surgeon between March 2014 and February 2018. Cumulative summation analysis revealed that it took 50 cases for the surgeon to significantly improve the operation time. Mean operation time was significantly shorter in the group that included the 51st to the 172nd case, than in the group that included only the first 50 cases (132.8 ± 27.7 min vs. 166.9 ± 29.5 min; p < 0.001). On the other hand, the surgeon was competent after the 75th case when postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism was used as the outcome measure. The incidence of hypoparathyroidism gradually decreased from 52.0%, for the first 75 cases, to 40.2% after the 76th case. These results indicated that the criteria used to assess proficiency greatly influenced the interpretation of the learning curve. Incorporation of the operation time, complications, and oncologic outcomes should be considered in learning curve assessment.


2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1273-1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Yong Kwak ◽  
Sang Hoon Kim ◽  
Byung Joo Chae ◽  
Byung Joo Song ◽  
Sang Seol Jung ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huidan Zhao ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Ya Tao ◽  
Zhuan Liu ◽  
Cai Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders often experience overwhelming hemorrhage during cesarean. Placenta percreta is the most serious subtype. In this paper, we propose a new procedure in order to control intraoperative bleeding. We aimed to evaluate the effect and long-term outcome of Partial Anterior Myometrial Resection and Reconstruction under tourniquet and/or prophylactic abdominal aorta balloon occlusion on patients with placenta percreta. Methods In a retrospective study, data from patients with placenta percreta who delivered by cesarean section between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019 were analyzed. Short-term and long-term outcomes were followed up by outpatient clinic and by phone. The quantity of estimated blood loss (EBL), operation time, urine tube time, hospital stay and short-term and long-term complications including fever, thrombosis, hematoma, breast feeding and menstruation problems, lower limb complaints, intrauterine adhesion and so on, were analyzed. Results For all cases, the mean EBL in the surgery was 1399 ± 948 mL, the mean operation time was 107 ± 35minutes, and the mean perioperative hospital stay was 9.6 ± 5.0 days. All the patients had a preserved uterus. Menstrual quantity decreased in 12 patients. Menstrual period prolonged in 11 cases. Uncomfortable abdomen symptoms happened in 9 cases after the surgery. Four cases got thrombosis and 3 got hematoma. Lower extremity discomfort was found in 6 patients. Conclusion Combined with prophylactic abdominal aorta balloon occlusion and/or tourniquet, Partial Anterior Myometrial Resection and Reconstruction is highly effective in reducing the intraoperative blood loss and hysterectomy in placenta percreta. But we should pay great attention to short-term and long-term complications, especially to the complications associated with aorta balloon occlusion.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0008
Author(s):  
Jungtae Ahn ◽  
Tae Yong Kim ◽  
Tae Wook Kim ◽  
Bi O Jeong

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture (DIACF) by extensile lateral approach is widely used but is technically challenging. In this study, the learning curve for ORIF of DIACF by extensile lateral approach was investigated. Methods: Between March 2014 and July 2018, 45 cases consisting of 40 patients underwent operative treatment for DIACF by the extensile lateral approach performed in all instances by a single surgeon. A moving average and cumulative summation control chart (CUSUM) were used for learning curve analyses. Operative failure was defined when at least one of the following parameters were unsatisfactory: reduction of Gissane angle and Böhler angle, posterior facet congruency, calcaneal width, subfibular impingement, axial alignment, or calcaneocuboid joint congruency. Results: The mean operating time was 117.4 min. Regarding the quality of reduction, the mean preoperative sum of the 7 parameters was 5.1 and improved to 0.6 postoperatively. The CUSUM for operative success peaked in the 20th case. The CUSUM and moving average graphics of operating time peaked at the 9th case and registered nadirs at the 34th case, with slight ascent and decent. The operating time for twenty cases in phase 1 (1–20) and for twenty-five cases in phase 2 (21–45) of the learning curve did not differ significantly. There was no statistical difference in the severity of fracture pattern. By comparison, significant differences in phase 2 patients showed a better postoperative reduction quality. Conclusion: As indicated by multidimensional statistical analyses, primary technical competence in improving the reduction quality of DIACF was achieved after the initial learning period with 20 cases. After the learning curve for ORIF of DIACF, a better reduction quality in the sum of reduction parameters was observed.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document