Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via Breast Areola Approach:Report of 18 Cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the feasibility and cosmetic results of endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast areola approach.Methods From January 2004 to January 2006,endoscopic thyroidectomy was performed through the breast areola approach in 18 patients with benign thyroid mass.Results The surgery was accomplished successfully in all the 18 cases.The operation time ranged 45-120 min(mean,62 min) for unilateral resection and 90-180 min(mean,98 min) for bilateral resection.The intraoperative blood loss ranged 6-20 ml(mean,11 ml) for unilateral resection,and 15-70 ml(mean,29.5 ml) for bilateral resection.Postoperative hospital stay was 3-5 days.No complication occurred after the operation.The patients were followed up for 6-12 months(mean,9 months).The wound healed well in all the patients,inconspicuous scars or no recurrence was observed during the follow-up.Conclusions Endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast areola approach is a safe and feasible procedure with satisfying neck cosmetic outcome.