Utility of a novel elastic traction system in endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach: initial experience with 34 patients

OBJECTIVE: To summarize our experiences in using an elastic traction, space-making technique for endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach in the treatment of early-stage differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach for thyroid carcinoma in our department. We used our self-developed “mini elastic traction space-maker” in a group of 34 patients; another 45 patients who underwent the procedure with the conventional CO(2) insufflation method were enlisted as the control group. RESULTS: All patients had successful unilateral lobectomy and central lymph node dissection (CLND) surgeries. The adoption of the intraoperative elastic traction system increased the height of the subcutaneous working space (by 1 cm) and significantly decreased the times required for lobectomy and CLND compared with the controls (46.7 ± 4.7 min vs. 50.7 ± 4.9 min). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the set-up time to create the working space. CONCLUSIONS: The elastic traction, space-making technique is a safe and feasible technique for endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach.