The operation experience of endoscopic thyroidectomy by areola and axilla approach

To explore the feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast areola and axilla approach. The clinical data of 36 cases that underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast areola and axilla approach from February 2012 to December 2013 were reviewed. All cases were completed, the mean operation time was 136.3 min (95–183 min), intraoperative blood loss was 15.8 ml (5–60 ml). The average hospitalization time was 5 days (4–6 days). There were no conversions to open surgery, no permanent nerve injuries, and no cases of hypoparathyroidism. Three patients had postoperative subcutaneous ecchymosis who were cured spontaneously after 1 month. Endoscopic thyroidectomy is safe and feasible for patients with thyroid diseases with good cosmetic results, and is worthy of being widely applied for patients who have cosmetic demand.