Endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy in 16 cases

【Objective】To explore the feasibility of endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy through the approach of breast areola.【Methods】Endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy via approach of breast areola was carried out in 16 cases from Nov 2006 to June 2007.【Results】The thyroidectomy was performed successfully under endoscope in 15 cases with an operation time of 90-160 min(mean 106 min),including 8 cases of bilateral thyroidectomy,3 cases of bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy,4 cases of right-side thyroidectomy and left-sided subtotal thyroidectomy.A conver-sion to open surgery was required in 1 case owing to the bleeding of thyroid.Pathological diagnosis revealed 5 cases of thyroid adenoma,6 cases of nodular goiter,5 cases of thyroid carcinoma.The drainage tubes were removed at 24-48 hours after operation.Neither nerve injury nor parathyroid injury occurred.The duration of postoperative hospital stay was 4-6 days with the mean of 5 days.There was no complication during the follow-up of 12 months in all the cases.And the patients were satisfied with cosmetic effects.【Conclusions】Endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy via approach of breast areola is feasible and effective with satisfactory cosmetic results.