The surgical skills of neck scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy

Objective:To discuss the technique difficulties and its managements in endoscopic thyroidectomy through anterior chest and breast approach.Methods:A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 332 patients,who were treated with endoscopic thyroidectomy through anterior chest and breast approach between Oct.2006 and Dec.2009.Results:Three hundred and twenty-four cases of 332 operations were successfully performed.8 cases were converted to conventional thyroidectomy.The operation cost 40-240min (mean 80min),and the intraoperative average blood loss was 20ml.The drainage tube was removed 2-3d and patients were discharged from the hospital 3-5d after operation.There were no other complications such as the injury of the superior laryngeal nerve,recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid.No recurrence was found in 310 cases after 6-18 months following up.All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results.Conclusions:Endoscopic thyroidectomy is safe,feasible,mini-invasive with good cosmetic effects,and can successfully treat bilateral thyroid diseases.It is the first choice for patients of benign thyroid tumor,and can also be taken into consideration of the early papillary carcinoma and grade Ⅱ Grave disease.