Endoscopic thyroidectomy for cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma, report of 90 cases

Abstract

Objective To discuss the feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods From April 2009 to December 2013, clinical data of 90 papillary thyroid carcinoma cases undergoing endoscopic thyroidectomy was analyzed retrospectively. Results There was no conversion to open surgery, the mean operation time was 97 min, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 10 ml, the mean postoperative drainage volume was 65 ml, the mean hospital stay was 4.5 d, the mean lymph node number dissection of central compartment was 5.3. No obviously chest pain and numbness occurred. No skin flap ecchymosis, necrosis, effusion, and hematoma occurred. No hypocalcemia convulsions occurred. Transient hoarseness occurred in 3 cases which recovered within 1 to 2 months. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 5 years, the median follow-up time was 41 months, with no tumor recurrence and lymph node enlargement. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. Conclusions Endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach is a safe and feasible procedure in treating papillary thyroid carcinoma (cN0). Key words: Thyroid neoplasms; Carcinoma, papillary; Thyroidectomy; Neck dissection