Early Outcomes of the Postauricular-Submental Approach Endoscopic Thyroidectomy
Patorn Piromchai MD, MSc, PhD, FRCOT, FICS*
Affiliation : * Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : The postauricular-submental approach (PSA) endoscopic thyroidectomy is a recently developed technique. The
advantages of this method include that (a) it avoids paresthesia around the nipple, chest wall, and chin; (b) the midline
endoscopic view can provide better orientation of surgical landmarks; and, (c) the scars are hidden in the natural neck
position.
Objective : To report early surgical outcomes and complications of PSA endoscopic thyroidectomy
Material and Method: Patients undergoing PSA endoscopic thyroidectomy were included in the study. The clinical diagnosis,
operative technique, pathological results, surgical outcomes, and complications were documented.
Results : Five patients were included, ranging between 30 and 62 years of age. The patients had a clinical diagnosis of solitary,
single non-toxic thyroid nodule. PSA type I was performed in 3 patients and PSA type II in 2. The diameter of the thyroid
ranged between 3 and 6 cm. The mean operation time was 180 min. None of the cases needed to convert from endoscopy to
open surgery. There were no major complications.
Conclusion : PSA endoscopic thyroidectomy is a feasible method permitting relatively good operative visualization and
minimal adverse effects.
Keywords : Approach; endoscopic thyroidectomy; endoscope; thyroidectomy
