Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

05:12
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Cervical scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy: Axillo-bilateral-breast approach (ABBA)
Eckhard Bärlehner1, Tahar Benhidjeb
1Department of Surgery and Centre of Minimally Invasive Surgery, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Hobrechtsfelder Chaussee 100, D-13125, Berlin, Germany.
Surgical Endoscopy
|April 19, 2007
Summary
The axillo-bilateral-breast approach (ABBA) offers a scarless solution for thyroidectomy, proving safe and effective in preliminary studies. This minimally invasive technique provides excellent cosmetic outcomes for patients undergoing neck surgery.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Endocrine Surgery
Background:
- Neck surgery is increasingly adopting minimally invasive techniques.
- The axillo-bilateral-breast approach (ABBA) is a novel technique for totally endoscopic thyroidectomy.
- This method aims to eliminate visible neck scarring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the axillo-bilateral-breast approach (ABBA) for thyroidectomy.
- To assess the cosmetic outcomes of the ABBA technique.
- To determine the efficacy of ABBA in treating uni- or multinodular goiters.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen patients with goiters underwent thyroidectomy using the ABBA technique between February and October 2005.
- The procedure involved endoscopic access through bilateral breast areola and axillary incisions.
- Harmonic scalpel and Maryland clamp were used for dissection and resection, with careful visualization of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Main Results:
- The average operative time was 132 minutes.
- No patients required conversion to a conventional surgical approach.
- Postoperative complications such as hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were not observed.
Conclusions:
- The axillo-bilateral-breast approach (ABBA) is a feasible and safe method for endoscopic thyroidectomy.
- The technique offers significant cosmetic advantages with nearly invisible scars.
- ABBA demonstrates promising results for patients seeking thyroid surgery with minimal scarring.

