Endoscope-assisted partial thyroidectomy through subclavicular approach between the cervical anterior muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscle: A report of 15 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the methods and effects of endoscope-assisted partial thyroidectomy through subclavicular approach between the cervical anterior muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Methods The study included 15 patients with unilateral thyroid benign nodules.A transversal subclavicular incision 2~3 cm in length was made.Endoscope-assisted partial thyroidectomy was performed through the subclavicular approach between the cervical anterior muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Results The operation was accomplished successfully in all the 15 patients.The operation time was 40~80 min(mean,50 min) and the intraoperative blood loss was 10~50 ml(mean,20 ml).No surgical complications occurred.The patients were discharged from hospital on 3~4 postoperative days.Follow-up observations in the 15 patients for 1~12 months(mean,7 months) revealed no recurrence.Conclusions Endoscope-assisted partial thyroidectomy through subclavicular approach between the cervical anterior muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscle has the advantages of minimal invasion,little blood loss, low complication rate,quick recovery,and good cosmetic results.