Is drain placement necessary in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via Vestibular Approach (TOETVA) offers a scar-free alternative for thyroid surgery. Traditionally, drains are used to prevent hematoma, seroma, and infection, yet the need for routine drain placement in TOETVA remains uncertain.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of TOETVA patients from August 2021 to September 2024 at a single tertiary center. Patients were divided into drain and non-drain groups. All patients underwent unilateral TOETVA, with or without central lymph node dissection. Key outcomes included operative time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, and complications. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to minimize selection bias. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

A total

SUBMITTER: Jiang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12642098 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature