RESUMO
Objective To investigate the cosmetic results of endoscopic thyroidectomy via areola of breasts approach.Methods The incision was chosen to be along the areolar margin.One 12 mm incision was made at 3-clock position of the right areolar to introduce a 30? flexible laparoscope.Another 7 mm incision was made at 9-clock position of the right areolar for a grasping forceps.An additional 12 mm incision for the performance of ultrasonic scalpel was made at 11-clock position of the left areolar.Subcutaneous tissues were separated to create enough space for partial or subtotal thyroidectomy according to patient's conditions.Results The surgery was finished successfully in all 10 cases.The operation time ranged 110~230 min(mean,140 min).The estimated blood loss ranged 3~15 ml(mean,9 ml).There were no surgical complications after operation.Follow-up checkups for 3~5 months(mean,3.5 months) in 10 cases showed inconspicuous scars and no recurrence.Conclusions Endoscopic thyroidectomy via areola of breasts approach is a feasible and safe procedure with satisfactory cosmetic results.