Objective: To compare the advantages and shortcomings of the endoscopic thyroid surgery by trans-subclavian approach and trans-areolar approach.
Methods: Twelve patients received the trans-areolar approach and 10 patients were given the trans-subclavian approach procedure.
Results: With the trans-areolar approach: the mean size of tumor was 1.8 cm, the mean operating time was 115 min, the mean blood loss during operation was 63 ml. Two patients converted to the conventional operation. With the trans-subclavian procedure: the mean size of tumor was 4.2 cm, the mean operating time was 85 min, the mean blood loss during operation was 66 ml. No complications were found in all of the patients and they were satisfied with the cosmetic effects of the procedures. There were significant differences in tumor size and operating time between the two operation types.
Conclusions: Compared with the trans-areolar approach, the trans-subclavian approach comes with less trauma, higher success rate and it fits for bigger tumor.