To investigate the safety and clinical outcome of modified endoscopic thyroidectomy via transthoracic approach without expandsion.

A total of 100 patients who received endoscopic thyroidectomy were enrolled into present study, including 50 cases in the expansion fluid group and 50 cases in the stripper group. Patients in the expansion fluid group were treated by using expansion fluid, while patients in the stripper group were treated by using stripper without expansion fluid. SPSS 24.0 software were used for statistical analysis. Measurement data such as perioperative indexes、indexes of vital signs、 pain scores were expressed as (±s) and were analyzed by using independent sample t test. Count data such as postoperative complications were analyzed by using χ² test. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant difference.

Patients in both two groups receiced successful operation, without intraoperative complications. The operation time、 drainage time and volume in the stripper group were better those that of the expansion fluid group respectively (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, changes in vital signs before and after the establishment of endoscopic space, pain scores at 6h, 12h and 24h after surgery (P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications of 12% in the stripper group was significantly better than 28% in the expansion fluid group (P<0.05).

Endoscopic transthoracic thyroidectomy without expandsion fluid is safe and feasible, and could significantly reduce the operation time, which is worthy of clinical promotion.