TOETVA: Schildklierchirurgie zonder blijvend litteken

Abstract

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy using a vestibular approach (TOETVA) is the first thyroid surgery that leaves no permanent visible external scar. 3 scopes are placed via the mouth, passing the front of the teeth. The thyroid is then reached and removed by passing over the chin. Only patients with a thyroid nodule of up to 3 cm in diameter are eligible for TOETVA. The most important advantage of this new technique, in comparison with conventional thyroid surgery, is the prevention of a potentially disfiguring scar in the neck. A proctoring programme will be put in place to make it possible to implement this new technique all over the country.