title: Single-port endoscopic thyroidectomy via a submental approach: report of an initial experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Based on our experience of trans-areola single-site endoscopic thyroidectomy and a preclinical study in the porcine model, we attempted to develop a new approach called trans-submental single-port endoscopic thyroidectomy (TSSPET).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two female patients (43 and 27 years old, respectively) were selected for TSSPET. Both were preoperatively diagnosed with benign thyroid nodule by ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Two mini-incisions were made in the submental area. The isthmectomy was performed for 1 patient and a right lobectomy for the other.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This procedure was successfully accomplished in 2 cases. The operative time was 108 minutes and 150 minutes, respectively. No complications occurred. Postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. After 3 months, cosmetic result was satisfactory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our initial experience demonstrates that the TSSPET is feasible and safe for selected patients. Nevertheless, large series and comparative studies could be necessary to further confirm its effectiveness.
authors: Department of Surgery, Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
authors: Zheng
authors: Z
authors: Ding
authors: XianZhao
authors: X
authors: Deng
authors: YouBen
authors: Y
authors: Fan
authors: Bo
authors: B
authors: Wu
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D061646:Operative Time; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods*
keywords: cosmetic result; endoscopic thyroidectomy; minimal invasiveness; single-port; submental