Comparision of endoscopic thyroidectomy and conventional open thyroidectomy in the treatment of primary hyperthyroidism

Abstract

Objective To compare endoscopic thyroidectomy(ET)with conventional open thyroidectomy(OT)for treatment of primary hyperthyroidism.Methods Total of 127 patients with primary hyperthyroidism had thyroidectomy in our hospital from January 2003 to May 2008.Among them,64 patients underwent ET(group ET)and 63 had OT(group OT)and their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.Results There was no significantly difference in age,sex,disease course,size of thyroid,complication and T_3,T_4,TSH level(P>0.05).All operations were successfully carried out.Operation time was longer in group ET(115.2±24.6)rain than that in group OT(93.4±38.1)min(P<0.5).Blood loss in group ET was significantly less(88.2±67.3)ml than group OT(122.2±62.8)ml(P<0.5),but the drainage volume in group ET(144.04±38.72)ml was more than group OT(84.86±76.11)ml(P<0.05).The cost of hospitalization in group ET was higher than OT but there was no significantly difference in hospital stay between two groups.6 cases in group ET and 3 cases in group OT had temporary hoarseness but no significant difference was found.No erious complications in all cases.3 hypothyroidism and 4 recurrent hyperthyroidism occurred in group ET while 4 hypothyroidism and 2 recurrent hyperthyroidism in group OT during a48.6 month's follow-up.Conclusions If suitable case is selected,ET is a feasible and safe therapy for primary hyperthyroidism and has an advantage of good cosmetic result,less pain and less blood loss. Key words: Endoscopy; Hyperthyroidism; Subtotal thyroidectomy