Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach: An Initial Experience in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) can be applied to many health facilities worldwide, even in places whose medical facilities have not developed yet. To that end, our hospital is the first hospital to deploy this novel technique in Vietnam. In the study, the authors will evaluate the safety and efficacy of TOETVA, which was initially performed on patients in Vietnam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A TOETVA research was conducted on 28 patients in hospital K from January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. The surgical outcomes, cosmetic results, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 91 minutes (70 to 130 min). There were no cases with temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism in the patients. One patient had temporary mental nerve injury recovered completely after 14-day surgery. No case used drains in patients. All patients were highly satisfied with the surgical outcome, especially, cosmetic results.

CONCLUSIONS

TOETVA is a safe and feasible technique with acceptable complication rates and good outcomes. The authors will carry on this procedure for selected patients. TOETVA should not only be performed in some countries with well-developed health care systems but also be done in other developing countries worldwide.