Abstract:Objective
To analyse the difficulties encountered in endoscopic thyroidectomy (ESTC) and discuss their countermeasures.
Methods The clinical data of endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest wall approach in 46 cases performed in our hospital over the last year and a half were summarized.
Results ESTC in 44 cases were successful,and 2 were converted to open operation. The operation time of ESTC was from 86 min to 190 min(mean 126.2±27.0 min). One case had a small area of ecchymosis in the presternal skin postoperativelu. No injury of recurrent laryngeal nerves, hemorrhage or parathyroid injury occurred. There was no scar on the neck after operation.
Conclusions Endoscopic thyroidectomy is safe, and avoids the shortcoming of leaving a scar on the neck that is present after traditional surgical removal of the thyroid gland. No adverse cosmetic effect was observed.