Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach

Summary

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

Abstract

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.

Introduction

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 sensitivity^3,4. 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....

Protocol

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'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 confidentiality of their data throughout the research process. Patients with benign thyroid nodules, follicular neoplasms, or papillary microcarcinomas, with ....

Results

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%.......

Discussion

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 outcomes^14,15,16. Nevertheless, this technique requires a deep understanding of key operational steps¹⁷. Before commencing the actual surgery, surgeons are expected to familiarize themselves with.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
EMG Endotracheal Tube	Medtronic Xomed, Inc.	20173666541	EMG Endotracheal Tube
Forceps	Kangji Medical	106.890.A	Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment (Within)
Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment	Kangji Medical	106.890.A	Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment
Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) Device	Medtronic Xomed, Inc.	20083210370	NIM-Response 2.0
Laparoscopic aspirator	Kangji Medical	106.891.A	Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment (Within)
Nerve monitoring probe	Medtronic Xomed, Inc.	20173666541	EMG Endotracheal Tube (Within)
Retractors (Two types)	Kangji Medical	106.890.A	Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach Equipment (Within)
Trocar	Johnson & Johnson	B5LT	Trocar (5 mm)
Ultrasonic scalpel	Johnson & Johnson	HAR36	Ultrasonic scalpel