Background:

Kocher’s cervicotomy has been the classic approach for thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The greater concern about neck scarring has generated an increasing interest in reducing scar size or leaving the scar in less visible places. In 2016 Anuwong published 60 cases of TOETVA/TOEPVA with optimal outcomes.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to report the initial experience with transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy vestibular approach in Hospital Universitario Austral.

Material and methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 18 prospective procedures performed between May 2019 and March 2020. The procedures performed were 2 parathyroidectomies, 13 lobectomies, 4 total thyroidectomies, 1 with central lymph node dissection; one patient presented a parathyroid adenoma and a benign thyroid nodule. Cytology report according to the Bethesda system: category II in 7 cases, VI in 9 and indeterminate in 1.

Results:

18 female patients. Median age: 41 years. Mean nodule size: 30 mm. Mean gland volume: 24 mL. Conversion. 1 case. Mean operative time: lobectomy, 260 minutes; total thyroidectomy, 262 minutes. Definite histology: papillary thyroid carcinoma,11; benign nodular goiter, 6; parathyroid adenoma, 2. Complications: mild ecchymosis, 12 patients; temporary hyperparathyroidism, 1 case; temporary recurrent laryngeal palsy, 1 case; temporary numbness of the mental region in 1 case.

In the two cases undergoing total thyroidectomy due to cancer, thyroglobulin level 6 weeks after surgery was < 0.1 μIU/mL.

Conclusions:

1) The transoral approach is a safe and feasible procedure that offers excellent cosmetic results. 2) It can be implemented using conventional endoscopic equipment, has a short learning curve and low morbidity rate. 3)It constitutes an alternative for the treatment of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. 4) Patient’s safety should be guaranteed.