Objective:To explore the safety,minimal invasion and cosmetic effect of endoscopic thyroidectomy.
Methods:From May 2007 to April 2008, among 413 cases of thyroid operations, 238 cases were operated by endoscopic techniguc and 175 cases were operated by traditional methods. the operation time, intra operative blood loss, incision cosmetic score, postoperative hospitalization time, cost of  hospitalization, and surgical complications between the two mehods  were compared.
Results:Both groups of patients were operated successfully without postoperative bleeding, hoarseness, or hypocalcemia. Compared with traditional thyroid surgery,endoscopic thyroidectomy had less blood loss, shorter operation time,and higher-satisfaction cosmetic effect without significant  scars or skin color changes.
Conclusions:Compared with traditional thyroid surgery,endoscopic thyroidectomy has the desired advantages of excelent cosmetic result, safety, and quick recovery. It is an ideal operation method for treatment of benign thyroid diseases.