Name: gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the trans-axillary approach
Uploaded: 2023-09-15T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach at JoVE.com

This study was conducted in strict accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and adhered to the guidelines established by our institution&#39;s Human Research Ethics Committee. The research protocol underwent a thorough review and received approval from the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All participating patients provided written informed consent before their involvement in the study, and stringent measures were taken to ensure the privacy and confiden...

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B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+cosmetic+outcomes+after+robotic/endoscopic+thyroidectomy+by+a+gasless+unilateral+axillo-breast+or+axillary+approach.">Long-term cosmetic outcomes after robotic/endoscopic thyroidectomy by a gasless unilateral axillo-breast or axillary approach.</a> J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 24 (4), 248-253 (2014).</li><li>Tan, C. T., Cheah, W. K., Delbridge, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=#34;Scarless&amp;#34;+(in+the+neck)+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+(SET):+an+evidence-based+review+of+published+techniques.">#34;Scarless&amp;#34; (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy (SET): an evidence-based review of published techniques.</a> World J Surg. 32 (7), 1349-1357 (2008).</li><li>Tae, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Initial+experience+with+a+gasless+unilateral+axillo-breast+or+axillary+approach+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+for+papillary+thyroid+microcarcinoma:+comparison+with+conventional+open+thyroidectomy.">Initial experience with a gasless unilateral axillo-breast or axillary approach endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: comparison with conventional open thyroidectomy.</a> Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 21 (3), 162-169 (2011).</li><li>Aidan, P., Bechara, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gasless+trans-axillary+robotic+thyroidectomy:+the+introduction+and+principle.">Gasless trans-axillary robotic thyroidectomy: the introduction and principle.</a> Gland Surg. 6 (3), 229-235 (2017).</li><li>Hakim Darail, N. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gasless+transaxillary+endoscopic+thyroidectomy:+a+decade+on.">Gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy: a decade on.</a> Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 24 (6), e211-e215 (2014).</li><li>Wei, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Autotransplantation+of+Inferior+Parathyroid+glands+during+central+neck+dissection+for+papillary+thyroid+carcinoma:+a+retrospective+cohort+study.">Autotransplantation of Inferior Parathyroid glands during central neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.</a> Int J Surg. 12 (12), 1286-1290 (2014).</li><li>Naytah, M., Ibrahim, I., da Silva, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Importance+of+incorporating+intraoperative+neuromonitoring+of+the+external+branch+of+the+superior+laryngeal+nerve+in+thyroidectomy:+A+review+and+meta-analysis+study.">Importance of incorporating intraoperative neuromonitoring of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in thyroidectomy: A review and meta-analysis study.</a> Head Neck. 41 (6), 2034-2041 (2019).</li><li>Kim, E. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single-incision,+gasless,+endoscopic+trans-axillary+total+thyroidectomy:+a+feasible+and+oncologic+safe+surgery+in+patients+with+papillary+thyroid+carcinoma.">Single-incision, gasless, endoscopic trans-axillary total thyroidectomy: a feasible and oncologic safe surgery in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.</a> J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 27 (11), 1158-1164 (2017).</li><li>Wang, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modification+and+application+of+&amp;#34;zero-line+&amp;#34;+incision+design+in+total+endoscopic+gasless+unilateral+axillary+approach+thyroidectomy:+A+preliminary+report.">Modification and application of &amp;#34;zero-line &amp;#34; incision design in total endoscopic gasless unilateral axillary approach thyroidectomy: A preliminary report.</a> Front Surg. 10, 1121292 (2023).</li><li>Dhoomun, D. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+health-related+quality+of+life+and+cosmetic+outcome+between+traditional+gasless+trans-axillary+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+and+modified+gasless+trans-axillary+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+for+patients+with+papillary+thyroid+microcarcinoma.">Comparison of health-related quality of life and cosmetic outcome between traditional gasless trans-axillary endoscopic thyroidectomy and modified gasless trans-axillary endoscopic thyroidectomy for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.</a> Cancer Med. , (2023).</li><li>Cho, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single-incision+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+by+the+axillary+approach+with+gas+inflation+for+the+benign+thyroid+tumor:+retrospective+analysis+for+a+single+surgeon's+experience.">Single-incision endoscopic thyroidectomy by the axillary approach with gas inflation for the benign thyroid tumor: retrospective analysis for a single surgeon's experience.</a> Surg Endosc. 31 (1), 437-444 (2017).</li><li>Jeong, J. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+study+of+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+versus+conventional+open+thyroidectomy+in+papillary+thyroid+microcarcinoma+(PTMC)+patients.">Comparative study of endoscopic thyroidectomy versus conventional open thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients.</a> J Surg Oncol. 100 (6), 477-480 (2009).</li><li>Lee, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Excellence+in+robotic+thyroid+surgery:+a+comparative+study+of+robot-assisted+versus+conventional+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+in+papillary+thyroid+microcarcinoma+patients.">Excellence in robotic thyroid surgery: a comparative study of robot-assisted versus conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients.</a> Ann Surg. 253 (6), 1060-1066 (2011).</li><li>Cong, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gasless,+endoscopic+trans-axillary+thyroid+surgery:+our+series+of+the+first+51+human+cases.">Gasless, endoscopic trans-axillary thyroid surgery: our series of the first 51 human cases.</a> World J Surg Oncol. 20 (1), 9 (2022).</li><li>Bhargav, P. 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The Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Trans-axillary Approach (GETTA) is a novel surgical method that addresses the rising incidence of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (PTMC) while yielding aesthetically pleasing outcomes14,15,16. Nevertheless, this technique requires a deep understanding of key operational steps17. Before commencing the actual surgery, surgeons are expected to familiarize themselves with...

The recent increase in the incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC)1,2, predominantly affecting young women, necessitates advancements in surgical techniques that offer both medical effectiveness and aesthetic sensitivity3,4. The primary goal of the Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Trans-axillary Approach (GETTA), introduced by Chung in 20045, is to provide an optimal surgical method that marries these two needs.
GETTA was developed as an answer to the drawbacks of traditional open surgery, such as noticeable scars leading to patients&#39; self-consciousness and potential negative impact on their work and social activities. Endoscopic thyroid surgery has been gradually applied in the treatment of benign and malignant thyroid diseases3,4, offering a less invasive alternative to open surgery. Yet, the innovation of GETTA lies in its unique gasless approach. The GETTA procedure holds several advantages over alternative techniques. It establishes the cavity through the natural folds of the axilla, rendering the incision hidden and yielding superior postoperative cosmetic results6. Moreover, GETTA omits the need for CO2 gas inflation during the operation, thereby averting complications related to CO2 gas. Furthermore, this approach leaves the anterior neck flap intact, which protects the function of the anterior cervical region post-surgery and prevents postoperative swallowing skin-tracheal linkage6,7.
The technique is situated within the wider body of literature concerning endoscopic thyroid surgery. While there are ample research reports on the transoral and breast approach of endoscopic thyroid surgery8,9, non-inflatable thyroid surgery remains underreported10,11. Consequently, this method constitutes a significant contribution to this field, providing a comprehensive protocol for the GETTA procedure.
For readers contemplating the application of this method, it is most suitable for early-stage, low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma patients who desire minimal scarring post-surgery. However, the success of this technique depends on the practitioner&#39;s proficiency in endoscopic procedures due to its spatial constraints. As such, the method may not be appropriate for practitioners without advanced endoscopic skills or those in medical centers with limited access to the necessary equipment.
This article aims to bolster the understanding of the GETTA procedure, offering insights into its application, and hopefully promoting its adoption in more medical centers. The benefits of GETTA extend beyond medical effectiveness, meeting patients&#39; desire for less invasive surgery with favorable cosmetic results.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>EMG Endotracheal Tube</td>
			<td>Medtronic Xomed, Inc.</td>
			<td>20173666541</td>
			<td>EMG Endotracheal Tube&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps</td>
			<td>Kangji Medical</td>
			<td>106.890.A</td>
			<td>Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment (Within)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment</td>
			<td>Kangji Medical</td>
			<td>106.890.A</td>
			<td>Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) Device</td>
			<td>Medtronic Xomed, Inc.</td>
			<td>20083210370</td>
			<td>NIM-Response 2.0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laparoscopic aspirator</td>
			<td>Kangji Medical</td>
			<td>106.891.A</td>
			<td>Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment (Within)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nerve monitoring probe</td>
			<td>Medtronic Xomed, Inc.</td>
			<td>20173666541</td>
			<td>EMG Endotracheal Tube (Within)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Retractors (Two types)</td>
			<td>Kangji Medical</td>
			<td>106.890.A</td>
			<td>Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment (Within)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trocar</td>
			<td>Johnson &#38; Johnson</td>
			<td>B5LT</td>
			<td>Trocar (5 mm)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrasonic scalpel</td>
			<td>Johnson &#38; Johnson</td>
			<td>HAR36</td>
			<td>Ultrasonic scalpel</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the trans-axillary approach

For patients with early, low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma, an increasing number are opting for endoscopic thyroid surgery due to its ability to achieve favorable therapeutic outcomes while maintaining excellent cosmetic results. Among the available endoscopic procedures, the Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Trans-axillary Approach (GETTA) has gained popularity among surgeons. This is attributed to its straightforward cavity construction, spacious operating area, precise visual field exposure, and manageable learning curve. However, few studies have provided detailed descriptions of the specific surgical steps involved in GETTA. Drawing from a synthesis of existing literature and our own clinical expertise, we present a comprehensive outline of the GETTA procedure. This process can be categorized into five distinct stages: positioning and incision planning; establishment of surgical cavities; identification and protection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, inferior parathyroid gland, and central neck dissection; localization and preservation of the superior laryngeal nerve, superior parathyroid gland, and dissection of the thyroid's superior pole; transection of the thyroid isthmus followed by en bloc resection of the thyroid gland and central neck lymph nodes. The five-step approach of GETTA is easy to learn and can be adapted for resecting both benign and malignant thyroid and parathyroid diseases.

In this study, a cohort of 200 female patients, all with a mean age of 36 years (SD = 4.52; ranging from 20 to 59 years), underwent the Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Trans-axillary Approach (GETTA) (Table 1). The patients had an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.79 kg/m2 (SD = 4.52; range = 18.27-27.31). The sonogram indicated an average tumor size of 7.09 mm (SD = 3.84). All patients were fully informed of the surgical options available and subsequently chose GETTA. Of the total, 54 (27%...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach at JoVE.com

Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach

This protocol presents the procedure for conducting thyroidectomy using the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach (GETTA).

Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach

For patients with early, low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma, an increasing number are opting for endoscopic thyroid surgery due to its ability to ...

The five steps approach of GETTA is easy to learn and can be adapted for dissecting both benign and malignant thyroid and parathyroid diseases. This technique offers significantly improved cosmetical results. It eliminates the carbon dioxide gas insufflation, and preserves the function of the anterior cervical region.It is a viable and safe technique for patients with early low risk papillary thyroid carcinoma who wish to avoid a cervical scar. To begin, place the anesthetized patient in a supine position and abduct the upper limb on the affected side to a 60 to 90 degree angle. Then, make a primary incision of approximately four to six centimeters in length using a scalpel.Next, create a secondary incision of about 0.5 centimeters using a surgical scalpel for the trocar. Locate the gap between the sternal head of the sternal cleo mastoid muscle and the clavicle head. Using the mini button of the ultrasonic scalpel, coagulate the small blood vessels within the gap.Employ dissecting forceps in the ultrasonic scalpel to dissect the anatomical space between the sternothyroid muscle and the internal jugular vein. Dissect the natural space between the thyroid and sternothyroid muscle. Position the retractors within the space, and complete the creation of the surgical cavities.Locate the recurrent laryngeal nerve around the bifurcation of the inferior thyroid artery using a nerve monitoring probe. Dissect the area around the inferior thyroid artery while protecting and coagulating the inferior thyroid blood vessels to expose the trachea. After coagulating and cutting off the branches of the inferior thyroid artery, follow the nerve pathway to the larynx, ensuring its protection during the dissection process.Perform a central neck dissection method, like open surgery, and remove lymph nodes from the central compartment of the neck based on the extent of the patient's disease. After separating the upper pole of the thyroid gland, continue the separation process along the cricothyroid space to expose the blood vessels of the upper thyroid pole. Using the mini button of the ultrasonic scalpel, coagulate and carefully cut off the blood vessels of the upper pole of the thyroid gland.Fully dissociate the gap between the upper pole of the thyroid gland and the cricothyroid muscle. Utilize an ultrasonic scalpel to coagulate small blood vessels. Then remove both the thyroid isthmus and the lymph nodes located in the central area alongside the thyroid gland.Collect the specimen in the specimen bag. Using a laparoscopic aspirator, flush the operating cavity with warm sterile saline. Then position a drainage tube near the trachea and use dissecting forceps to guide the tube out from the axilla.Close the axillary incision with a 30 centimeter interrupted absorbable 4.0 suture. In this study, a cohort of 200 female patients with a mean age of 36 years underwent the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans axillary approach. Five patients experienced temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve signal weakening, post surgery, which resolved after a month.No cases of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries were observed. However, three patients required conversion to open surgery due to intraoperative bleeding. It is crucial to recognize and protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve before any surgical intervention involving coagulation or cutting.Following this procedure, parathyroidectomy and the lateral lymph node dissection can concurrently be executed with a procedure. Upon further refinement, this technique can facilitate total thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, and the lateral lymph node dissections, in addition to being adaptable for endoscopic breast surgeries.

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