A comparison of two approaches of endoscopic thyroidectomy / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare strong and weak points of two different approaches of endoscopic thyroidectomy and to discuss the complication prevention of endoscopic thyroidectomy.Methods There were 10 cases of breast areola approach endoscopic thyroid surgery(Areola Group) and 11 cases of transcervical approach video-assisted thyroid surgery(Cervical Group).The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,length of hospital stay,and complications between the two groups were compared.Results The operations were completed successfully in all the 21 cases.The operation time was significantly longer in the Areola Group(132.4?39.1 min) than in the Cervical Group(89.2?16.8 min)(t=3.347,P=0.003).The intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the Areola Group(12.9?4.3 ml) than in the Cervical Group(18.2?5.5 ml)(t=-2.442,P=0.025).The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the Areola Group(4.2?1.0 d) than in the Cervical Group(3.0?0.6 d)(t=3.373,P=0.003).Follow-up observations for 6 months in the 21 cases showed no recurrence of thyroid tumor or occurrence of hypothyroidism.Conclusions Compared with video-assisted thyroidectomy through transcervical approach,breast areola approach endoscopic thyroid surgery has longer operation time,but more satisfactory exposure,fewer complications,and better cosmetic outcomes.