Table 1.

How to choose the TOETVA patient for the beginner?

• Uncomplicated thyroid nodule*

• No obesity or not too short neck

• ASA 1

• No contraindication for nasotracheal intubation

• Preoperative laryngeal examination

• Right hand surgeon should start operate with right thyroid nodule

• Right lobectomy, female

^*Uncomplicated thyroid nodule: Not to small and not too big. 3 cm nodule is appropriate: (a) easy to see endoscopically; (b) It isn’t difficult to dissect; (c) It isn’t too hard to handle when you look for the recurrent laryngeal nerve; (d) It isn’t too complicated to put the nodule into the endobag and remove from the vestibule. Furthermore, proper location of nodule: (a) Not too low (near the suprasternal notch); (b) Not too high (upper pole dissection); (c) It should be not too deep (posterior lobe), not adhere carotid sheath, hide underneath muscles or difficult to palpate