The application of the three-dimensional high-definition laparoscope in thyroid microcarcinoma

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the three-dimensional (3D) high-definition (HD) laparoscope via a chest-breast approach in thyroid microcarcinoma. METHODS: In this retrospective study, ten patients with thyroid microcarcinoma who underwent laparoscopic thyroidectomy in the Department of General Surgery of Tangdu Hospital from May 2016 to October 2016 were included. Preoperative thyroid and neck ultrasound in these patients showed a thyroid nodule ≤1 cm, and no significantly enlarged cervical lymph nodes were observed. The patients’ thyroid function showed no subclinical hyperthyroidism. Three trocars were used via the chest and breast during the surgery. The main outcome measures included the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay time, postoperative drainage volume, and the incidence of complications. RESULTS: The ten patients were successfully treated using a 3D HD laparoscope. The mean operation time was 70–160 minutes, the average intraoperative blood loss was 10–30 mL, the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.5 days, and the mean postoperative drainage volume was 10–20 mL. None of the patients needed to receive a traditional open thyroidectomy during the operation. No patient experienced hoarseness, numbness of limbs, or choking or coughing while drinking water. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D endoscopic thyroidectomy operation via the chest-breast approach is a feasible and safe therapeutic method for the treatment of thyroid microcarcinoma.