Trans-oral endoscopic endocrine surgery vestibular approach: Pioneering the technique in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries – A case series

BACKGROUND: We present our experience with the first five thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomy in Kuwait performed via the transoral endoscopic vestibular approach. METHODS: Retrospective data collection for all trans-oral endoscopic vestibular approach endocrine surgeries performed at a single institution in Kuwait between November 2019 and February 2021. Information on patient demographics, perioperative management and complications were collected and reviewed. OUTCOMES: All 5 cases were completed successfully; the intended specimen was extracted successfully via the trans-oral endoscopic vestibular approach and conversion to traditional trans-cervical approach (TCA) was not required. Operative time for the parathyroidectomy case was 225 min and the average operative time for the remaining 4 cases, thyroidectomies, was 151 min. Blood loss was minimal, and length of hospital stay was between 24 and 48 h. One patient had a transient mental nerve injury, and one patient experienced a postoperative seroma which required aspiration. One case required completion thyroidectomy as histopathology revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Transoral vestibular approach is a scar free and safe approach to thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies. Careful patient selection and counselling with regards to risk versus benefit is required. It is an excellent alternative to the traditional transcervical approach and offers great cosmetic results.