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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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A Novel Contralateral Axillo-Bilateral-Breast Approach for Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery
Published on: July 28, 2026
Endocrine surgical technique: endoscopic thyroidectomy via the lateral approach
F F Palazzo1, F Sebag, J F Henry
1Department Endocrine Surgery, La Timone University Hospital, Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille Cedex 4, 13385, France.
Surgical Endoscopy
|December 20, 2005
Summary
Endoscopic thyroidectomy using a lateral neck approach offers a safe and effective minimal access option for solitary nodules. This technique preserves the recurrent laryngeal nerve and allows for same-day discharge.
Area of Science:
- Endocrine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Minimal access surgery is gaining traction in endocrine procedures.
- Various minimal access thyroidectomy techniques exist, but none are universally adopted.
- Existing methods include small-incision lateral and video-assisted central approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and application of an endoscopic thyroidectomy technique.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this novel approach.
Main Methods:
- The technique is based on principles from over 500 endoscopic parathyroidectomies.
- Patients with solitary thyroid nodules (<3 cm) and no prior neck surgery/irradiation were selected.
- A detailed surgical procedure for the endoscopic lateral approach is presented.
Main Results:
- 5.1% (38/742) of thyroidectomies were performed endoscopically.
- Mean operating time was 99 minutes; mean nodule size was 22 mm.
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve preservation was 100%; parathyroid identification was high. Two conversions to open surgery occurred.
Conclusions:
- The endoscopic lateral approach integrates minimal access benefits with fiberoptic magnification.
- This technique is safe and effective when performed by experienced surgeons.
- Patients experienced successful outcomes with rapid recovery.
