Background: Conventional thyroidectomies by a direct approach through the neck require long incisions in the neck that can result in prominent scars, hypesthesia, and paresthesia. Minimally invasive procedures have recently been adopted for the surgical treatment of thyroid disease as a means of preventing such problems.
Methods: In the present paper, the anterior chest approach and axillary approach to endoscopic thyroidectomy are described.
Results: Twenty-two patients were treated by the anterior chest approach to endoscopic thyroidectomy and 28 patients by the axillary approach. The only complication was one case of postoperative emphysema. The patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results of the procedures and with the minimal degree of postoperative hypesthesia, paresthesia and discomfort.
Conclusion: Endoscopic thyroidectomy may become the procedure of choice for the surgical treatment of carefully selected patients with thyroid disease.