Objective:To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of robot-assisted unilateral axillary approach for partial or total thyroidectomy without inflation. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 98 patients who underwent gasless unilateral axillary approach robot-assisted resection of bilateral thyroid lesions at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between October 2022 and October 2024. Perioperative indicators were recorded and compared among patients undergoing different surgical approaches（total thyroidectomy vs. bilateral partial thyroidectomy） and with different body mass index（BMI） values, including operative time, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph nodes dissected, incidence of postoperative hoarseness, incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia, and other postoperative complications. Results:A total of 98 patients were included, of whom 78.57% were female, with a median age of 39 years（interquartile range[IQR]: 35-49） and a median BMI of 24.08 kg/m²（IQR: 21.43-25.98）. The median intraoperative blood loss was 32.14 mL（IQR: 20.00-50.00）, the median operative time was 130.0 minutes（IQR: 104.80-150.30）, and the median hospital stay was 2.01 days（IQR: 1.00-2.00）. The most common postoperative complication was transient hypocalcemia, with an incidence of 16.32%. There were no cases of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or conversion to open surgery. Compared with the non-total thyroidectomy group, the total thyroidectomy group had a significantly longer operative time（135.10±33.28 min vs 120.30±30.53 min, P=0.033）. Subgroup analysis based on BMI showed no statistically significant differences in operative time, hospital stay, drainage volume, or incidence of hypocalcemia between patients with BMI≥25 kg/m² and those with BMI<25 kg/m². Conclusion:The gasless unilateral axillary approach for robot-assisted partial or total thyroidectomy demonstrates favorable safety, cosmetic outcomes, and feasibility. Appropriate selection of surgical techniques and meticulous protection of critical structures during the procedure can further reduce the risk of complications and optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Humans ; Thyroidectomy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Axilla/surgery* ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery* ; Thyroid Gland/surgery* ; Lymph Node Excision

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of robotic surgery via the bilateral axillo-breast approach（BABA） in lateral lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma（PTC）. Methods:Clinicopathological records of 324 PTC patients receiving unilateral neck dissection in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from December 2020 to November 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 108 underwent robotic surgery via BABA（robotic group）, while the remaining patients underwent conventional open surgery（open group）. The extent of lateral neck lymph node dissection included level Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ. The differences in surgical indexes, postoperative complication rates and cosmetic outcomes of incisions were compared between two groups. Results:All study subjects completed the operation successfully, and there was no conversion in the robotic group. The average age of patients in the robotic group was lower than that in the open group, and the proportion of female patients was higher in the robotic group compared to the open group（P<0.05）. Patients in the robotic group had a greater number of dissected lymph nodes in level ⅡB and higher cosmetic scores（P<0.05）. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the average dissection time of lateral cervical lymph nodes, the number of dissected lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes in level ⅡA, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ, average postoperative drainage volume, average postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complication rates（P>0.05）. Conclusion:The application of robotic surgical system via BABA in lateral neck lymph node dissection for PTC is safe and feasible, with superior advantages in level ⅡB dissection and better postoperative cosmetic outcomes.
Humans ; Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery* ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Neck Dissection/methods* ; Lymph Node Excision/methods* ; Male ; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary ; Axilla/surgery* ; Thyroidectomy/methods* ; Breast/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Lymph Nodes/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome

Objective:To explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of domestic single-port robotic surgical system in the surgical treatment of thyroid cancer. Methods:Thyroid cancer patients who underwent domestic single-port robotic surgery in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of Sichuan Cancer Hospital from June 2024 to January 2025 were prospectively included. Clinical data, oncological characteristics, and perioperative indicators were systematically collected. Results:A total of 7 patients were included, including 3 males and 4 females, with an age of （34.57±10.26） years. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. Operative time was（180.00±30.41） minutes. Blood loss was（5.00[15.00 ]）mL. Postoperative drainage volume was （167.86±130.95） mL. The postoperative pathological results were all thyroid papillary carcinoma. There were no system failures, no device-related complications and adverse events were observed during the operation and perioperative period. No tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion:Preliminary data indicate that the domestic single-port robotic surgical system is safe and feasible for the surgical treatment of thyroid cancer, providing a practical basis for subsequent multi-disease, multi-center, and large-sample studies.
Humans ; Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery* ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Thyroidectomy/methods* ; Operative Time ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies

In recent years, robot-assisted thyroid surgery has gained widespread adoption in major hospitals worldwide, offering advantages such as a shorter learning curve and superior cosmetic outcomes while overcoming the limitations of endoscopic surgery. Currently, the main surgical approaches include the transaxillary, bilateral axillo-breast（BABA）, retroauricular, and transoral vestibular routes. However, the widespread adoption of robotic thyroidectomy still faces several challenges, including technical complexity, prolonged operative time, a higher complication rate during the learning curve, and high costs. Nevertheless, when performed by experienced surgeons on carefully selected patients, robotic thyroidectomy can achieve outcomes comparable to those of conventional open transcervical thyroidectomy. This article provides a systematic review of the development and latest advances in robotic thyroid surgery.
Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Thyroidectomy/methods* ; Thyroid Gland/surgery*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of intubation with electromyographic (EMG) endotracheal tubes versus conventional wire-reinforced (CWR) tubes on the incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) in patients undergoing thyroidectomy under general anesthesia and identify the risk factors for POST. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical data from a cohort of 245 patients undergoing elective thyroid surgery under general anesthesia at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between October, 2024 and March, 2025. Patients received intubation with either EMG endotracheal tubes (n=100) or CWR tubes (n=145) during the operation, and the incidences of POST and other postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to adjust for the baseline differences, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for POST. RESULTS: Comparisons of the baseline data revealed significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). After PSM, 90 patients in EMG group and 75 in CWR group were included in the final analysis with matching baseline characteristics (P>0.05). Post-matching analysis showed that the EMG group had a shorter operative time (P=0.002) but a higher incidence of POST (P=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified the use of EMG tubes (OR=17.50, 95% CI: 2.25-136.03, P<0.01) as an independent risk factor for POST. CONCLUSIONS Intubation with EMG endotracheal tubes can shorten the operative time and allow recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroidectomy under general anesthesia, but their structural design may increase the risk of POST. Clinical decisions should be made to balance nerve protection and postoperative patient comfort by selecting appropriate tube types and optimizing intubation strategies to enhance perioperative outcomes.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Intubation, Intratracheal/instrumentation* ; Thyroidectomy/adverse effects* ; Anesthesia, General ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; Pharyngitis/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; Risk Factors ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Incidence

Humans ; Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Consensus ; Thyroidectomy ; China ; Immunohistochemistry ; Postoperative Period

OBJECTIVES

To discuss a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma with concomitant thyroid tuberculosisin terms of clinical presentation and treatment.

METHODS

Design:Case Report

Setting:Tertiary Government Training Hospital

Patient:One

RESULTS

A 19-year-old Filipina consulted with a four-year history of a left thyroid nodule. She was clinically euthyroid with unremarkable systemic examination. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was suspicious for malignancy and she underwent total thyroidectomy. Histopathology revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma of the left lobe, microcarcinoma of the isthmus and incidental note of tuberculosis (TB) of the right lobe. Management included oral anti-TB medications and surveillance.

CONCLUSION

A 19-year-old Filipina consulted with a four-year history of a left thyroid nodule. She was clinically euthyroid with unremarkable systemic examination. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was suspicious for malignancy and she underwent total thyroidectomy. Histopathology revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma of the left lobe, microcarcinoma of the isthmus and incidental note of tuberculosis (TB) of the right lobe. Management included oral anti-TB medications and surveillance.

Human ; Female ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Carcinoma ; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroidectomy ; Thyroid Nodule ; Government ; Needles ; Hospitals ; Research Report

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of triple primary malignant neoplasms in a 70-year-old woman diagnosed with follicular and papillary thyroid carcinoma and diffuse B-cell lymphoma of the right submandibular gland and cervical lymph nodes.

METHODS

Design:Case Report

Setting:Tertiary Government Training Hospital

Patient: One

RESULTS

A 70- year-old woman presented with a four-year history of gradually enlarging anterior neck mass, associated with a right submandibular mass and neck nodes for one year. The gradual progression of her symptoms made the patient think that it was a benign condition. This led to a delay in medical consultation. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy with functional neck dissection of the ipsilateral right neck. Histopathology revealed simultaneous follicular and papillary thyroid carcinoma, and diffuse B-cell lymphoma of the cervical lymph nodes. The patient was referred to medical oncology and nuclear medicine for further management.

CONCLUSION

Our patient was incidentally diagnosed with follicular and papillary thyroid carcinoma and diffuse B cell lymphoma of the cervical lymph nodes after surgery. Such triple primary malignant neoplasms in a single individual are rare, and as in our case, may only be diagnosed in hindsight.

Human ; Female ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Carcinoma ; B-lymphocytes ; Adenocarcinoma, Follicular ; Neoplasms ; Submandibular Gland ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphoma, B-cell ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary ; Thyroidectomy

INTRODUCTION

Despite advancements in surgical techniques aimed at preserving parathyroid function, postoperative hypocalcemia (PoH) remains a challenge following elective total thyroidectomy. Management typically involves postoperative calcium supplementation; however, some studies suggest preoperative calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation may prevent PoH. This paper analyzed existing studies to determine efficacy of preoperative calcium, with or without vitamin D, in preventing hypocalcemia in total thyroidectomy patients. Level of Evidence: Meta-analysis, Level IV.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42024426410. Searches were performed on PubMED, PubMED Central, Embase, Cochrane Library, and HERDIN without date or language restrictions. Relevant studies underwent multiple screenings, with accepted individual studies assessed for bias or quality. Meta-analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.

RESULTS

A total of 345 studies were initially identified. Following deduplication, exclusion, and quality appraisal, 8 studies were included for analysis. Random effects model was utilized for all analysis due to heterogeneity in data. Results indicate that preoperative calcium, with or without vitamin D supplementation, correlated with higher postoperative calcium levels (z = 3.09, p < 0.001), reduced incidence of laboratory (z= 2.05, p = 0.03) and clinical hypocalcemia (z= 2.94, p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (z= 2.32, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Results from the conducted meta-analysis support the proposed practice of providing calcium with or without vitamin D supplementation among patients who are to undergo total thyroidectomy procedures to prevent postoperative hypocalcemia.

Human ; Vitamins ; Vitamin D ; Calcium ; Hypocalcemia ; Thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the predictive value of ACR-TIRADS in detecting malignancy in thyroid nodules.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, multi-center, cross-sectional analysis of patients who underwent ultrasound and thyroidectomy at three Cordillera Consortium hospitals between January 2019 and December 2021. Ultrasound reports were reviewed and correlated with histopathology reports to determine features associated with malignancy.

RESULTS

A study of 117 patients with thyroid nodules found significant differences in ACR-TIRADS subcategories. The risk of malignancy for TIRADS categories 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 10%, 9.5%, 21.9%, 43.9%, and 76.97%, respectively. ACR-TIRADS demonstrated a high sensitivity of 92.1% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90.3% as a rule-out test, and a specificity of 96.2% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 76.9% as a rule-in test using TIRADS 5 as malignant. Correct classification of malignant nodules increased by cut-off value with the highest at 73.5% at the ≥5 cut-off value. Discussion: Thyroid nodules were more common in females under 55 years old. Certain sonographic features of thyroid nodules, such as being solid or predominantly solid, hypoechoic, lobulated/irregular, and having punctate echogenic foci, were associated with malignancy. The risk of malignancy at Cordillera Consortium hospitals was notably higher in this study. The ACR-TIRADS test yielded results consistent with previous studies, with TR 1 and 2 indicating benign nodules and TIRAD 3-5 indicating malignant nodules.

CONCLUSION

Due to a higher risk of malignancy, it is recommended to be more aggressive in performing biopsies for thyroid nodules at Cordillera Consortium hospitals. ACR-TIRADS is a reliable screening tool and is recommended as a confirmatory test (TIRADS 5) for thyroid malignancy. Biopsies are still recommended for TIRADS 3, 4, and 5 nodules to avoid unnecessary procedures and confusion among surgeons.

Human ; Thyroid Nodule ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroidectomy ; Radiology