The Learning Curve of Transareola Single-site Laparoendoscopic Thyroidectomy: CUSUM Analysis of a Single Surgeon’s Experience

BACKGROUND Transareola single-site laparoendoscopic thyroidectomy (TASSET) is a rapidly advancing minimally invasive procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for TASSET. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Forty-five consecutive patients were prospectively divided into group 1 (initial phase), group 2 (intermediate phase), and group 3 (advanced phase) according to their surgical order (15 patients in each group). The operative time, operative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, postoperative pain, and postoperative complications were compared using phases. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were observed in the different learning phases, among operative time (P<0.05), operative blood loss (P<0.05), hospital stay (P<0.05), and postoperative pain (P<0.05). The postoperative complication rate was low (3/45). CONCLUSIONS Learning curve of the TASSET are improved synchronized at different phases and technical indicators. The establishment of operative space take longer time to skilled master.