Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES®; American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy [Oak Brook, IL] and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons [Los Angeles, CA]) is an improvement in surgical interventions. In this study we developed an innovative transtracheal endoscopic thyroidectomy technique and explored its feasibility in animal models.
Materials and Methods:
Transtracheal endoscopic thyroidectomy was performed in anesthetized dogs and pigs. The endoscope was advanced into the pretracheal space via a longitudinal incision on the anterior tracheal wall. Hemithyroidectomies and partial lobectomy were performed using special double-lumen endotracheal tubes and conventional endoscopic instruments. The tracheal wall incision was closed using absorbable sutures, and the animals were sacrificed at Day 5 postsurgery.
Results:
Hemithyroidectomy and partial thyroidectomy were successfully performed on pigs and dogs. The average operative time for each model was 69.4 minutes. No significant complications were encountered during surgery.
Conclusions:
The transtracheal endoscopic thyroidectomy technique is feasible and has the potential to be an alternative method for other types of thyroid surgeries.
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