The efficacy of gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via trans-subclavian approach in unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the trans-subclavian approach in treating unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 140 patients who underwent surgical treatment for unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma at the Department of Oral-Maxillofacial-Thyroid Oncosurgery, Jilin Cancer Hospital, between February 2023 and August 2024. Patients were divided into the endoscopic (n=70) and open surgery group (n=70). Clinical characteristics, surgical indicators (operation time, number of central lymph node dissections, intraoperative blood loss, 24-hour postoperative drainage volume, indwelling time of drainage tube, surgical cost, length of hospital stay), complication rates, neck discomfort, and incision satisfaction were compared.

RESULTS

Patients in the endoscopic group were younger and had a higher proportion of women (p<0.05). The endoscopic group showed significantly longer operation times and higher 24-hour drainage volumes (p<0.05). No substantial differences were observed between groups in intraoperative blood loss, lymph node dissection count, drainage tube retention time, length of hospital stay, surgical cost, and postoperative complication rates (p>0.05). Neck discomfort was considerably lower, and incision satisfaction was significantly higher in the endoscopic group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the trans-subclavian approach is a safe and effective treatment for unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma. It reduces postoperative neck discomfort and improves cosmetic outcomes, making it a viable and promotable surgical option.