The Evolution of Thyroid Surgery in China: From Open Approach to Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Techniques
https://doi.org/10.58708/2074-2088.2025-3(35)-109-112
Abstract
The development process of thyroid surgery in China is the result of the unremitting efforts and continuous exploration and improvement of generations of thyroid surgeons. Its development process integrates traditional medical wisdom with modern technological innovation, and has undergone a leapfrog development from exploratory surgery to precision and minimally invasive surgery. Traditional thyroidectomy is performed by exposing the thyroid gland through the Kocher incision in the neck. Most patients undergoing thyroid surgery, especially young women, often care about the visible surgical scars on their necks. Recently, with the advancement of technology, surgeons have been able to perform thyroidectomy outside the neck to avoid scarring on the neck. In this article, we summarize our center’s experience in thyroid surgery to demonstrate the transition from traditional thyroidectomy to endoscopic surgery and standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in China.
About the Authors
He Tian-QiChina
Chengdu
Xu-Liang Xia
China
Chengdu
Zhi-Qiang Jiang
China
Chengdu
References
1. Changing profiles of cancer burden worldwide and in China: a secondary analysis of the global cancer statistics 2020 / W. Cao, H.D. Chen, Y.W. Yu [et al.] // Chin. Med. J. (Engl.). – 2021. – Vol. 134, N7. – P. 783-791. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000001474.
2. Liang, Y. Endoscopic surgery for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: cases review and investigation of technique dissemination in China / Y. Liang, S. Xu // Frontiers in endocrinology. – 2025. – Vol. 16. – P. 1448672. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1448672
3. Yang, S. The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica: A Translation of the Shen Nong Ben Cao / S. Yang. – Blue Poppy Press, 1998. – 205 p.
4. Modlin, I.M. Surgical triumvirate of Theodor Kocher, Harvey Cushing, and William Halsted / I.M. Modlin // World J. Surg. – 1998. – Vol. 22, N1. – P.103-113. doi: 10.1007/s002689900357.
5. Gagner, M. Endoscopic subtotal parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism / M. Gagner // Br. J. Surg. – 1996. – Vol. 83, N6. – P.875. doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800830656.
6. Endoscopic Thyroidectomy for thyroid adenoma without neck scar: a case report / M. Qiu, E. Ding, D. Jiang [et al.] // Chin. J. General Surgery. – 2002. – N02. – P.62.
7. The study of the application of modified Miccoli endoscopic lateral neck dissection in thyroid malignant tumors / D. Zhang, L. Gao, G. He [et al.]. Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, 2021-03-23. https://www.srrsh-english.com/research#content (?)
8. The development history and current status of endoscopic thyroid surgery in China / J. She, H. Gao, C. Wang [et al.] Chin. J. Med. – 2024. – Vol. 59, N 10. – P. 1050-1054.
9. Comparative Study between Robotic Total Thyroidectomy with Central Lymph Node Dissection via Bilateral Axillo-breast Approach and Conventional Open Procedure for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma / Q. He, J. Zhu, D. Zhuang [et al.] // Chinese medical journal. – 2016. – Vol. 129, N18. – P. 2160–2166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0366-6999.189911
10. Robotic thyroidectomy via axillary and anterior chest approaches: report of two cases / Q. He, P. Zhou, D. Zhuang [et al.] // Chin. J. Surgery. – 2014. – Vol. 41, N02. – P. 104-107.
11. Robotic thyroidectomy versus conventional open thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis / J. Pan, H. Zhou, X. Zhao [et al.] // Surgical endoscopy. – 2017. – Vol. 31, N10. – P. 3985–4001. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-017-5433-0.
12. Surgical methods of total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis / Y. Yuan, B. Pan, E. Tang [et al.] // International journal of surgery (London, England). – 2024. – Vol. 110, N1. – P. 529–540. https://doi.org/10.1097/JS9.0000000000000819.
13. Efficacy and safety of thermal ablation for Bethesda III/IV thyroid nodules: a retrospective study / S. Li, Y. Wei, Zh. Zhao [et al.] // Frontiers in endocrinology. – 2025. – Vol. 16. – P. 1572535. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1572535
14. Wang, P. Expert consensus on endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest approach (2017 edition) / P.Wang, C. Xiang // Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery. 2017. – Vol. 37, N12. – P. 1369-1373. doi: 10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2017.12.14.
15. Expert consensus on transoral vestibular approach to endoscopic thyroid surgery / P.Wang, G.Wu, W.Tian [et al.] // Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery. – 2018. – Vol. 38, N10. – P. 1104-1107. doi:10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2018.10.02.
16.
Review
For citations:
Tian-Qi H., Xia X., Jiang Zh. The Evolution of Thyroid Surgery in China: From Open Approach to Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Techniques. Medical and Biological Problems of Life Activity. 2025;(3):109-112. https://doi.org/10.58708/2074-2088.2025-3(35)-109-112