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

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*

Objective:Compare the difference of Pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy using thyroid gland flap and traditional strip muscle repair, find an effective way to reduce Pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy. Methods:Sixty patients with locally advanced laryngeal malignancies were randomly divided into two groups with 30 cases in each group. After total laryngectomy, the experimental group was repaired with thyroid gland flap, and the control group was repaired with traditional strap muscle. Data of gender, age, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, neck lymph node dissection, combined diabetes mellitus, postoperative hypoproteinemia, tumor stage, repair mode and postoperative Pharyngocutaneous fistula were collected in the two groups. The incidence of Pharyngocutaneous fistula in the two groups was compared, and the independent risk factors of Pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy were found by logistic regression analysis. Results:The incidence of Pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy was 3.3%（1/30） in patients with thyroid gland flap repair and 26.7% （8/30） in patients with traditional strip muscle repair, with statistically significant difference（P<0.05）. There was no significant correlation between gender, age, maximum tumor diameter, blood loss, operation time and Pharyngocutaneous fistula. Hypoproteinemia and repair mode were correlated with pharyngocutaneous fistula. Repair mode is an independent risk factor for Pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy. Conclusion:The occurrence of Pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy was decreased significantly by using pedicle thyroid flap compare to traditional surgery.The Pedicle thyroid flap can be considered as an effective clinical repairment to reduce postoperative Pharyngocutaneous fistula.
Humans ; Laryngectomy/methods* ; Male ; Cutaneous Fistula/prevention & control* ; Female ; Postoperative Complications/etiology* ; Surgical Flaps ; Laryngeal Neoplasms/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Thyroid Gland/surgery* ; Pharyngeal Diseases/prevention & control* ; Fistula/prevention & control* ; Risk Factors

Objective:To investigate the application value of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging in identifying and protecting parathyroid glands in endoscopic thyroid surgery. Methods:From May 2022 to February 2023, 158 patients who underwent endoscopic thyroid surgery in the Department of Thyroid and Breast Vascular Surgery of Guilin People's Hospital were selected. The endoscopic fluorescence camera system was used to monitor the parathyroid glands under autofluorescence during endoscopic thyroid surgery. A total of 214 pieces were collected, among which the first 15 cases that could not be preserved in situ during the operation needed to be autotransplanted or the tissue clamped parts that could not be clearly identified as parathyroid glands were sent to fast-frozen pathology to determine whether they were parathyroid glands. Results:Among the first 15 patients who could not be preserved in situ during the operation or whose anatomy could not be clearly defined, 23 parathyroid glands were detected by autofluorescence imaging, 21 parathyroid glands were confirmed by pathology, and 2 were adipose tissue, with an accuracy rate of 91.30%; 158 patients underwent surgery Blood calcium decreased 2 hours after operation compared with preoperative blood calcium（P<0.05）, decreased blood calcium 5 days after operation compared with preoperative blood calcium（P<0.01）, and increased slightly 5 days after the operation compared to blood calcium 2 hours after the operation, but the difference was not statistically significant（P>0.05）; while comparing parathyroid hormone（PTH）, PTH at 2 hours after operation decreased significantly compared with PTH before operation（P<0.01）, and PTH at 5 days after operation compared with PTH before operation PTH also decreased（P<0.01）, but increased compared with PTH 2 hours after operation（P=0.001）. Conclusion:In laparoscopic thyroid surgery, the application of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging technology can help surgeons quickly identify and protect parathyroid glands, and reduce the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Combining autofluorescence imaging, visual anatomy recognition under magnification of laparoscope, and intraoperative frozen pathological examination "trinity" method can improve the success rate of parathyroid gland recognition.
Humans ; Parathyroid Glands/transplantation* ; Thyroid Gland/surgery* ; Calcium ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Optical Imaging/methods* ; Laparoscopy ; Thyroidectomy/methods*

Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with intrathoracic thyroid masses managed surgically in our institution, determine associated factors affecting eventual operative approaches for these patients, and assess postoperative outcomes and complications associated with surgical intervention. Methods: Design: Retrospective descriptive case series. Setting:Tertiary National University Hospital. Participants: 24 patients. Results: The mean age of patients diagnosed with intrathoracic goiters was 55.71 years old, with a 1:1.4 male to female ratio; with most having an intrathoracic extent of Huins Grade 1 (67%) compared to others having Huins Grade 2-3. Majority of patients pre-operatively had a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Bethesda Thyroid Nodule Classification of Category II (benign); 79% of total patients underwent excision of thyroid mass utilizing a transcervical approach alone. As Intrathoracic Extension (ITE) grade increased, additional transthoracic approaches were performed; duration of operation, average estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay was also noted to increase. Majority of post operative surgical histopathology results revealed malignant thyroid masses, in contrast to pre-operative FNA. Post-operative transient hypocalcemia was the most reported immediate complication. Conclusions Management of intrathoracic goiter is often multidisciplinary. Referral to the thoracic vascular service is warranted for access to the thoracic inlet. Classification by grade of intrathoracic goiters is helpful to determine the most appropriate operative approach and may be predictive of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Postoperative histopathology across all ITE grades mostly yield malignant results; hence, preoperative FNA results should be used with caution.
Thyroid Diseases ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Goiter ; Thyroid Gland ; General Surgery ; Thyroidectomy ; Sternum ; Manubrium

To review the diagnosis and treatment of a case of hypercalcium crisis caused by primary hyperparathyroidism（PHPT） and prophylactic treatment of hungry bone syndrome. In a 32-year-old male with hypercalcemia, the main manifestations were loss of appetite, nausea, polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, lethargy, etc. parathyroid hormone, serum calcium increased, thyroid function was normal, thyroid color ultrasound and MRI showed space-occupying behind the right thyroid, radionuclide examination showed abnormal imaging agent concentration in the right parathyroid area, there was a history of pathological fracture. Clinically diagnosed as hypercalcemia crisis secondary to PHPT.
Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Hypercalcemia/diagnosis* ; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary/surgery* ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Hypocalcemia/complications* ; Thyroid Gland ; Calcium

Humans ; Thyroid Gland/surgery* ; Space Maintenance, Orthodontic ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Thyroidectomy/methods* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery*

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma, and the impact on survival rate and quality of life. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 124 cases (122 males and 2 females with age range from 36 to 78 years old) with laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who were initially treated in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2014 to December 2017 was performed. The clinical data included tumor location, pathological T stage, pathological N stage, invasion of thyroid gland, central lymph node metastasis, surgical procedures and so on. Patients were grouped according to if presence of thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis. With follow-up, the survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method, and tumor recurrence and metastasis were evaluated. Results: Of the patients, 12 patients had thyroid involvement and 5 patients had central lymph node metastasis. The incidence of thyroid involvement was 8.16% (8/98) in pyriform sinus, 1/18 in posterior pharyngeal wall and 3/8 in posterior cricoid wall, with statistically significant difference (χ²=15.076,P=0.008). The incidence of central lymph node metastasis was 1.02% (1/98) in pyriform sinus, 3/18 in posterior pharyngeal wall and 1/8 in posterior cricoid wall, also with statistically significant difference (χ²=11.205, P=0.008). There was no statistical correlation between thyroid invasion or central lymph node metastasis and gender, smoking or alcohol exposure history and tumor pathological differentiation (all P>0.05). The 3-year overall survival rate was 80.65% and the 3-year recurrence free rate was 85.48%. Totally 24 patients died in 3 years, including 4 cases in thyroid invasion group and 1 case in central lymph node metastasis group. Local recurrence occurred in 18 patients, including 4 cases in thyroid invasion group and 1 case in central lymph node metastasis group. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with and without thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis (all P>0.05). There were significantly difference in 3-year overall survival and relapse-free survival among the groups with different T stages, N stages, pathological stages and tumor pathological differentiation levels (all P<0.05). There were significantly differences in the levels of serum calcium and FT3 between the groups with or without thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The incidences of thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma are rare, and the risk of occurrence is related to the primary site of tumor. Comprehensive evaluation, correct decision-making and accurate treatment could be helpful to cure radically the tumor, to prevent recurrence and to improve the quality of life of patients.
Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery* ; Female ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck Dissection ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery*

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is the latest surgical technique for inserting an endoscope through the mouth, anus, vagina etc., and for performing surgery with mucosal incision only, i.e., without skin incision. Recently, a number of researchers have applied NOTES to thyroid surgery in several trials, with the aim of removing the thyroid gland through oral cavity. The transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery became widely known after Anuwong et al. reported successful results for their first 60 patients and it has become increasingly recognized as a feasible novel surgical procedure. The purpose of this article is to review and summarize the existing literature, and describe in detail the preoperative considerations, rationale for patient selection, surgical method and postoperative management for transoral thyroid surgery.
Anal Canal ; Endoscopes ; Humans ; Methods ; Mouth ; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery ; Patient Selection ; Skin ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroidectomy ; Vagina

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the change trend and correlation between the perioperative pain degree and neuroendocrine hormone levels in the perioperative period on patients with thyroid surgery by electroacupuncture combined with cervical plexus block. METHODS: Forty patients with elective thyroidectomy were enrolled and divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, 20 cases in each group. In the control group, cervical plexus block was performed. In the observation group, the cervical plexus block combined with electroacupuncture (EA) were given. After the cervical plexus block was completed, the EA was applied at the bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) for 30 min. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain level before anesthesia (T), 2 h after operation (T), 12 h after operation (T), 24 h after operation (T) and 48 h after operation (T). Blood samples such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), C-reactive protein (CRP) and β-endorphin (β-EP) were collected to measure the level of neuroendocrine hormones, and to analyze the correlation between ACTH, CRP, β-EP and VAS scores. RESULTS: The VAS scores at T, T, T were higher than those at T in the two groups (all <0.05). The VAS scores T, T and T in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all <0.05). The ACTH and CRP in the control group at T, T and T were significantly higher than those at T (all <0.05). The β-EP in the observation group at T, T and T was significantly higher than that at T (all <0.05). The ACTH and CRP in the observation group at T, T and T were lower than those in the control group,and the β-EP level was higher than that in the control group (all <0.05).The VAS score was significantly positively correlated with ACTH and CRP levels, and negatively correlated with β-EP. CONCLUSION EA stimulation can inhibit the secretion of ACTH and CRP, promote the release of β-EP, reduce the perioperative pain score, and inhibit the body's stress response.
Cervical Plexus Block ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Pain Management ; Thyroid Gland ; surgery ; beta-Endorphin