Kyung Tae1, Dong Won Lee2, Hyang Sook Bang1, You Hern Ahn3, Jung Hwan Park3, Dong Sun Kim3. 1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea. 2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea. 3. Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the sensory changes on the chin and neck in transoral thyroidectomy. METHODS: We prospectively assessed the cutaneous sensation of 10 zones of the chin, face, and neck in 43 patients who underwent transoral robotic or endoscopic thyroidectomy using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments test, preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: The sensation of the chin and lower lip did not differ before and after surgery. However, the pressure threshold of the submental and level VI area increased significantly after surgery, and returned to the preoperative level 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. CONCLUSION: In terms of mental nerve injury, transoral thyroidectomy is safe when performed successfully. However, proper placement of oral vestibular incisions and minimal dissection of the chin is essential to avoid mental nerve injury.
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the sensory changes on the chin and neck in transoral thyroidectomy. METHODS: We prospectively assessed the cutaneous sensation of 10 zones of the chin, face, and neck in 43 patients who underwent transoral robotic or endoscopic thyroidectomy using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments test, preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: The sensation of the chin and lower lip did not differ before and after surgery. However, the pressure threshold of the submental and level VI area increased significantly after surgery, and returned to the preoperative level 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. CONCLUSION: In terms of mental nerve injury, transoral thyroidectomy is safe when performed successfully. However, proper placement of oral vestibular incisions and minimal dissection of the chin is essential to avoid mental nerve injury.