Exoscope-assisted thyroid surgery

Abstract The introduction of exoscopes as new visualization and magnification tools represents an innovative way to improve the identification and preservation of recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands during conventional open thyroidectomy. The exoscope allows to perform thyroid surgery with an open approach, without changing surgical steps and using the same instrumentation but resulting in enhanced vision and depth perception. Exoscope-assisted surgery can be useful during open lobo-isthmusectomy, total thyroidectomy, and central compartment neck dissection, as well as in parathyroidectomy. The implementation of surgical field magnification by the exoscopic system improves the ability to perform precise dissection of fine structures. The optimal ergonomics of the small 3D camera, associated with the slim holding system, allow for exoscope placement above the surgical field without interfering with surgical maneuvers.