Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

History and Evolution of Transoral Thyroidectomy Approach

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Transoral Neck Surgery

Abstract

The era of thyroid surgery in Europe started in the late nineteenth century by pioneers like Kocher, Billroth, and Halsted. At that time, patients’ survival was the main objective. After developing dissection devices, tools for hemostasis, and the intraoperative nerve monitoring system, patient safety became the main aim in thyroid surgery. Today it is a highly standardized technique and one of the safest procedures in surgery with very low morbidity. The next quest was to achieve cosmetically better results—through smaller neck incisions and remote access approaches to avoid a neck scar. As the first group who initiated the transoral access to the thyroid, we report on our personal experience and conceptual design in dealing with this innovative approach that was part of our Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS/NOTES) project, which is the next step in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery. Transoral thyroidectomy by the vestibular approach is now a safe method that represents a breakthrough for the patient and a paradigm shift in the history of thyroid surgery toward a “scarless” surgery.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 89.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Haddad FS. Abulcasis. Abbottempo. 1968;3:22–5.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Sarkar S, Banerjee S, Sarkar R, Sikder B. A review on the history of ‘thyroid surgery’. Indian J Surg. 2016;78:32–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Halsted WS. The operative history of goiter. The author’s operation. Johns Hopkins Hosp Rep. 1920;19:71–257.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Hegner CF. A history of thyroid surgery. Ann Surg. 1932;95:481–92.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Hannan SA. The magnificent seven: a history of modern thyroid surgery. Int J Surg. 2006;4:187–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Becker WF. Presidential address: pioneers in thyroid surgery. Ann Surg. 1977;185:493–504.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Miccoli P, Berti P, Coute M, Bendinelli C, Marcocci C. Minimally invasive surgery for thyroid small nodules: preliminary report. J Endocrinol Investig. 1999;22:849–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Benhidjeb T, Anders S, Bärlehner E. Total video-endoscopic thyroidectomy via axillo-bilateral-breast-approach (ABBA). Langenbeck's Arch Surg. 2006;391:48–9.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Bärlehner E, Benhidjeb T. Cervical scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy: axillo-bilateral-breast approach (ABBA). Surg Endosc. 2008;22:154–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Benhidjeb T, Witzel K, Baerlehner E, Stark M. The natural orifice surgery concept. Vision and rationale for a paradigm shift. Chirurg. 2007;78:537–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Stark M, Benhidjeb T. Natural orifice surgery: transdouglas surgery–a new concept. JSLS. 2008;12:295–8.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Benhidjeb T, Burghardt J, Stark M. Novel technologies for natural orifice surgery: an overview. Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol. 2008;17:346–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Witzel K, von Rahden BHA, Kaminski C, Stein HJ. Transoral access for endoscopic thyroid resection. Surg Endosc. 2008;22:1871–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Benhidjeb T, Wilhelm T, Harlaar J, Kleinrensink GJ, Schneider TAJ, Stark M. Totally transoral video-assisted thyroidectomy (TOVAT): first experimental results of a new surgical method. Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol. 2008;17:217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Benhidjeb T, Wilhelm T, Harlaar J, Kleinrensink GJ, Schneider TAJ, Stark M. Natural orifice surgery on thyroid gland: totally transoral video-assisted thyroidectomy (TOVAT): report of first experimental results of a new surgical method. Surg Endosc. 2009;23:1119–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Wilhelm T, Harlaar J, Kerver A, Kleinrensink GJ, Benhidjeb T. Surgical anatomy of the floor of mouth and the cervical spaces as a rationale for trans-oral, minimal-invasive endoscopic surgical procedures - results of cadaver studies. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2011;267:1285–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Wilhelm T, Benhidjeb T. Transoral endoscopic neck surgery: feasibility and safety in a porcine model based on the example of thymectomy. Surg Endosc. 2011;25:1741–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Downton D, Qvist G. Intra-oral excision of the submandibular gland. Proc R Soc Med. 1960;53:543–4.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Downton D. Mylohyoid ridge resection. Dent Rec. 1954;74:212.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Hong KH, Kim YK. Intraoral removal of the submandibular gland: a new surgical approach. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000;122:798–802.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Hong KH, Yang YS. Surgical results of the intraoral removal of the submandibular gland. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008;139:530–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Hong KH, Yang YS. Intraoral approach for the treatment of submandibular salivary gland mixed tumors. Oral Oncol. 2008;44:491–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Guerrissi JO, Taborda G. Endoscopic excision of the submandibular gland by an intraoral approach. J Craniofac Surg. 2001;12(3):299–303.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Yang Y, Hong K. Surgical results of the intraoral approach for plunging ranula. Acta Otolaryngol. 2014;134:201–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Huang SF, Liao CT, Chin SC, Chen IH. Transoral approach for plunging ranula—10-year experience. Laryngoscope. 2010;120:53–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Zhao YF, Jia Y, Chen XM, Zhang WF. Clinical review of 580 ranulas. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004;98:281–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Packiri S, Gurunathan D, Selvarasu K. Management of Paediatric Oral Ranula: a systematic review. J Clin Diagn Res. 2017;11(9):ZE06–9.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  28. Richmon JD, Pattani KM, Benhidjeb T, Tufano RP. Transoral robotic-assisted thyroidectomy: a preclinical feasibility study in 2 cadavers. Head Neck. 2011;33:330–3.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Richmon JD, Holsinger FC, Kandil E, Moore MW, Garcia JA, Tufano RP. Transoral robotic-assisted thyroidectomy with central neck dissection: preclinical cadaver feasibility study and proposed surgical technique. J Robot Surg. 2011;5(4):279–82.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Neugebauer EAM, On behalf of the EAES. EAES recommendations on methodology of innovation management in endoscopic surgery. Surg Endosc. 2010;24:1594–615.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Wilhelm T, Metzig A. Endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy: first clinical experience. Surg Endosc. 2010;24:1757–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Wilhelm T, Metzig A. Endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy (eMIT): a prospective proof-of-concept study in humans. World J Surg. 2011;35:543–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Benhidjeb T, Witzel K, Burghardt J, Bärlehner E, Stark M, Mann O. Endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy: ethical and patients safety considerations on the first clinical experience of an innovative approach. Surg Endosc. 2010;. Aug 24; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-010-1290-9.

  34. Benhidjeb T, Stark M. Endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy (eMIT): safety first! World J Surg. 2011;35:1936–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Karakas E, Steinfeldt T, Gockel A, Mangalo A, Sesterhenn A, Bartsch DK. Transoral parathyroid surgery–a new alternative or nonsense? Langenbeck’s Arch Surg. 2014;399:741–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Karakas E, Steinfeldt T, Gockel A, Westermann R, Kiefer A, Bartsch DK. Transoral thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Surg Endosc. 2010;24:1261–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Benhidjeb T, Witzel K, Stark M, Mann O. Transoral thyroid and parathyroid surgery: still experimental! Surg Endosc. 2011;25:2411–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Witzel K, Hellinger A, Kaminski C, Benhidjeb T. Endoscopic thyroidectomy: the transoral approach. Gland Surg. 2016;5:336–41.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  39. Anuwong A. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: a series of the first 60 human cases. World J Surg. 2016;40:491–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Nakajo A, Arima H, Hirata M, Mizoguchi T, Kijima Y, Mori S, Ishigami S, Ueno S, Yoshinaka H, Natsugoe S. Trans-oral video-assisted neck surgery (TOVANS). A new transoral technique of endoscopic thyroidectomy with gasless premandible approach. Surg Endosc. 2013 Apr;27(4):1105–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Benhidjeb T, Stark M, Gerntke I, Mynbaev O, Witzel K. Transoral thyroidectomy – from experiment to clinical implementation. Transl Cancer Res. 2017;6(Suppl 1):S174–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Witzel K, Messenbaeck F, Weitzendorfer M, Benhidjeb T. Transoral thyroidectomy: limitations, patients' safety, and own experiences. Updat Surg. 2017;69:193–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Anuwong A, Ketwong K, Jitpratoom P, Sasanakietkul T, Duh Q. Safety and outcomes of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach. JAMA Surg. 2018;153(1):21–7. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2017.3366.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Visceral Medicine, Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Bethel Clinic, Bielefeld, Germany

    Tahar Benhidjeb

  2. Minimally Invasive Center, Hünfeld, Germany

    Kai Witzel

  3. Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Bielefeld, Germany

    Jan Schulte am Esch

  4. The New European Surgical Academy (NESA), Berlin, Germany

    Michael Stark

  5. Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Mohammad Shaear & Ralph P. Tufano

Authors
  1. Tahar Benhidjeb
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kai Witzel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jan Schulte am Esch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Michael Stark
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Mohammad Shaear
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Ralph P. Tufano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Jonathon O. Russell

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    William B. Inabnet III

  3. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Ralph P. Tufano

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Benhidjeb, T., Witzel, K., Schulte am Esch, J., Stark, M., Shaear, M., Tufano, R.P. (2020). History and Evolution of Transoral Thyroidectomy Approach. In: Russell, J., Inabnet III, W., Tufano, R. (eds) Transoral Neck Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30722-6_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30722-6_1

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-30721-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-30722-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation