Efficacy of transoral vestibular endoscopic thyroidectomy versus open surgery in the treatment of unilateral thyroid malignancies

Endoscopic surgery has become an increasingly valuable option for patients requiring surgical intervention for unilateral thyroid malignant tumors. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of endoscopic surgery and open surgery in the treatment of unilateral thyroid malignancies.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

No actionable change for audiologists or hearing specialists; this surgical comparison concerns thyroid cancer treatment and has no meaningful relevance to audiology or hearing-health practice.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

For the audiology field specifically, this article holds negligible relevance; the 'vestibular' in the procedure name refers to the oral vestibule (inside the lip), not the vestibular (balance) system of the inner ear.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Compares transoral vestibular endoscopic thyroidectomy (TOVET) with open thyroid surgery for unilateral thyroid cancer.
02'Vestibular' in the procedure name refers to the oral vestibule (mouth), not the inner-ear balance system.
03Study is outside the scope of audiology and vestibular medicine.
04Outcome measures relate to surgical efficacy and oncological safety, not hearing or balance.
05Inclusion in an audiology feed is likely due to keyword mis-matching on 'vestibular'.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Transoral vestibular endoscopic thyroidectomy is an effective alternative to open surgery for unilateral thyroid malignancies.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42164698
DOI: 10.21037/gs-2025-448.
Journal: Gland Surgery
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 2b
Population: Patients with unilateral thyroid malignancies undergoing thyroidectomy
Intervention: Transoral vestibular endoscopic thyroidectomy (TOVET)
Comparator: Open thyroid surgery

Primary outcomes

Surgical efficacy; Oncological outcomes for unilateral thyroid malignancies

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