Abstract:

Objective To compare endoscopic thyroidectomy via transoral submental approach with open surgery for treating thyroid tumors in terms of the clinical effectiveness. Methods We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical data and follow?up records of 154 patients in the study， who were hospitalized for thyroidectomy in our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022. Among them， 74 cases undergoing endoscopic thyroidectomy via transoral submental approach were assigned to the endoscopic group and 80 cases undergoing traditional open thyroid surgery to the open surgery group. Results All operations were completed successfully and safely in both groups， with no intermediate openings in the endoscopic group. Compared with the open surgery group， the endoscopic group had significantly fewer intraoperative blood losses ［（19.46 ± 10.24）mL vs. （32.05 ± 15.87）mL］， significantly less incision length ［（1.95 ± 0.30）cm vs. （7.05 ± 0.60）cm］， significant shorter operative time ［（136.66 ± 22.44）min vs. （82.75 ± 15.20）min］， and significantly less total postoperative drainage ［（111.35 ± 38.92）mL vs. （95.45 ± 36.73）mL］ （all P < 0.05）. Endoscopic patients had superior postoperative pain and cosmetic satisfaction compared to open patients， and the difference was statistically significant （P < 0.05）. The two groups had no significant differences in the number of lymph node dissections， parathyroid hormone， and postoperative morbidity between the two groups （P > 0.05）. Conclusion The endoscopic thyroidectomy via transoral submental approach can achieve the same clinical effectiveness as the traditional open surgery. However， it is advantageous in reducing intra?operative blood loss， relieving post?operative pain， and achieving a better cosmetic effects of neck incision， thus deserving clinical promotion and application.

Key words: transoral, submental, endoscopy, thyroidectomy