Total extracapsular thyroidectomy:a report of 104 cases

Objective To introduce a new extracapsular approach for thyroidectomy in patients with surgical thyroid disease. Method Clinical data of 104 cases undergoing this procedure were retrospectively analyzed. Results From May 1990 to May 2000, 104 patients underwent either total or subtotal thyroidectomy by extracapsular approach. One patient suffered from postoperative temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. No morbidity such as postoperative thyroid crisis, hemorrhage leading to airway compression, permanent hypoparathyroidism nor mortality developed. Conclusion The total extracapsular approach for thyroidectomy is safe, less of complication and effective.