Endoscopic thyroid operation via the anterior chest wall approach:a clinical report of 31 cases

Objective To explore the method of endoscopic thyroid operation and to summarize the clinical experience. Methods Thirty-one patients were underwent endoscopic thyroid operation via the anterior chest wall approach between August 2008 and June 2009 at our department. Of 31 cases,26 cases suffered from thyroid adenoma,4 cases suffered from nodular goiter,and one case of thyroid papillary cancer in patients with open operation to all affected lines of thyroid resection,contralateral subtotal. Results The operations of 31 cases were completed successfully,30 cases of benign lesions in patients with operative time was (116±17) min,blood loss volume was (85±6)ml,wound drainage (the total amount after operation) was (105±35) ml,postoperative hospital stay was (4.0±0.8) days. All cases did not occur complications such as incision infection,bleeding after operation ,recurrent laryngeal nerve injury,superior laryngeal nerve injury and hypothyroidism. Conclusion Endoscopic thyroid operation is safe and reliable,with good cosmetic effect. Via anterior chest wall approach and with the suitable length of subcutaneous tunnel,which greatly simplifies the operation,it is worth spreading.