To investigate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast areola in the treatment of early differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

From February 2013 to October 2017, a retrospective analysis were performed in 63 patients with early differentiated thyroid carcinoma, including 28 patients in endoscopic group and 35 patients in open group. Statistical analysis were performed by using SPSS 22.0 software, the intraoperative and postoperative indicators between the two groups, scores of visual analogue scale (VAS), average hospitalization time and hospitalization cost were expressed as mean±standard deviation, and examined by using t test. The postoperative incision scar formation rate, patient satisfaction and complication rate were examined by using the Chi-square test. A P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant difference.

The operation time, hospitalization cost and total postoperative drainage volume in endoscopic group were significantly higher than those in open group (P<0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, average hospitalization time, VAS score in endoscopic group were significantly lower than those in open group (P<0.05). There were no significant difference between two groups in terms of number of removed lymph nodes, postoperative complication rate (P>0.05). The incision scar formation rate and patient satisfaction in endoscopic group were significantly better than those in open group (P<0.05).

Endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast areola in the treatment of early differentiated thyroid carcinoma is feasible and safe, with advantage of high patient satisfaction, which is valuable to be applied in clinic.